I-40/Hernando DeSoto Seismic Retrofit Project Update for September 23
Thursday, September 23, 2010 | 06:06am
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Crews have safely and successfully installed three new seismic expansion joints on the three bridge piers. The contractor has poured two concrete bridge decks back in place and is preparing to pour the last bridge deck this weekend.
The contractor completed Phase 2 early and will be beginning Phase 3 three weeks early. Sixteen days into the 71 day job, crews have safely removed all three of the old bridge joints, and successfully replaced all three of those joints with a seismically retrofitted expansion joint to prepare this bridge for a 7.7 magnitude earthquake.
The launch of Phase 3 will begin Sunday, September 26, 2010, 5:00 p.m., when crews will close the westbound entrance ramp. Interstate 40 westbound from Front Street or Riverside Drive will also be closed in this direction. Interstate 40 will continue to be reduced to one 11 foot lane in each direction. The two right (outside) lanes will 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.
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For More Information Contact:
Nichole Lawrence
Region 4 Community Relations Officer
731.935.0318
nichole.lawrence@tn.gov