I-40/Hernando DeSoto Seismic Retrofit Project Update for September 16
Thursday, September 16, 2010 | 06:40am
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Crews have safely and successfully removed the last of the existing bridge joints and concrete bridge deck.
The contractor has installed the new seismic expansion joint on the first of three piers. Preparations are now underway to replace the bridge deck over that pier.
Nine days into the 71 day job, crews have safely removed all three of the old bridge joints, and successfully replaced one of those joints with a seismically retrofitted expansion joint to prepare this bridge for a 7.7 magnitude earthquake.
Phase 3 is set to begin mid-October and run through the week of November 15. Interstate 40 will continue to be reduced to one 11 foot lane in each direction. The two right (outside) lanes will be closed. The I-40 westbound entrance ramp from Front Street and Riverside Drive will also be closed.
All wide loads, and over height loads will be diverted to I-155 in Dyersburg with the closure of the westbound entrance ramp.
TDOT has created a project website, http://www.tn.gov/tdot/i40hd/, to keep the public informed about the project.
For up-to-date travel information visit the TDOT SmartWay website at http://www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway/ or dial 5-1-1 from any land-line or cellular phone. TDOT is also on Twitter. For traffic alerts in the Memphis area follow @Memphis511 on Twitter or follow @TN511 for statewide updates.
###
For More Information Contact:
Nichole Lawrence
Region 4 Community Relations Officer
731-935-0318
nichole.lawrence@tn.gov