U.S. 41 Marion County Truss Bridge over Tennessee River to Close Today

Original plans called for the truss bridge to remain open as the new multi-span steel plate girder bridge was built. However, as construction progressed, crews found that some of the rock that was to support the new bridge piers contained voids and unsuitable material, resulting in the need to construct the footings deeper than originally planned. Because crews must excavate, drill, and blast to construct the new bridge piers, TDOT engineers determined that it is best for the safety of the traveling public and work crews to close the truss bridge to through traffic while this work is being performed.

 

A detour route that will add an additional 1.5 miles to the current route will be posted.

 

The prime contractor for the $21.5 million project is Britton Bridge, LLC of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, and the estimated project completion date is February 2014.

 

Although motorists should plan for the existing bridge to be closed until that date, TDOT will inspect the existing bridge once the new piers are constructed to determine if it can safely be re-opened prior to completion of the new bridge.

 

For travel and TDOT construction information visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway or call 511 from any land-line or cellular phone. You can also receive traffic alerts via TDOT’s multiple Twitter feeds, including statewide traffic tweets @TN511 or Chattanooga area alerts @Chattanooga511. Smartphone users can use the TDOT SmartWay Mobile website at http://m.tdot.tn.gov/SmartWay/ to access TDOT’s SmartWay cameras and information on construction related lane closures and incidents on interstates and state routes.

 

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

 

 

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For more information contact:
Jennifer A. Flynn
TDOT Region Two Community Relations Officer
Jennifer.Flynn@tn.gov
Office 423-510-1164
Mobile 423-595-3476