TDOT Commissioner Opens the Hurricane Bridge on SR-56 in DeKalb County
TDOT Commissioner Opens the Hurricane Bridge on SR-56 in DeKalb County
Chattanooga, Tenn. – Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Commissioner John Schroer joined with state and local officials today to celebrate a milestone in the major bridge rehabilitation project on the Hurricane Bridge on State Route 56 over the Caney Fork River in DeKalb County. After being down to only one lane for over two years to allow the contractor to safely work on the bridge, the project has progressed enough that the bridge can now be reopened to two lanes of traffic.
“The Hurricane Bridge is very important to the DeKalb County area and the entire region,” said Commissioner Schroer.“I am pleased to be here today to join with our state and local partners to celebrate the reopening of the bridge to two lanes of traffic.”
Work began in February 2011 on the project to fully rehabilitate the 1954 truss bridge, which was showing signs of aging. The structure has undergone a full rehabilitation, including truss strengthening, steel repair, painting, and bridge deck removal and replacement. The prime contractor for the $28.1 million project is OCCI, Inc. from Fulton, Missouri, and the original contract completion date is October 31, 2013.
Even though the bridge has reopened to two lanes, the contractor still has some remaining work to do and will be working in the area until all remaining work is completed.
Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet), Representative Terri Lynn Weaver (R-Lancaster) and Representative Mark Pody (R-Lebanon) represent DeKalb County in the Tennessee General Assembly and have been instrumental in bringing this important project to the area.
For travel information visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway or call 5‑1‑1. You can also receive traffic alerts via TDOT’s multiple Twitter feeds, including statewide traffic tweets @TN511 or Chattanooga area alerts @Chattanooga511.
Android and iPhone users can download TDOT’s SmartWay Mobile App to assist them in navigating Tennessee highways. The app provides up-to-the-minute customized traffic information and enables the user to access TDOT’s SmartWay cameras, messages displayed on overhead Dynamic Message Signs, and information on construction related lane closures and incidents on interstates and state routes. The TDOT SmartWay App is free and available for download in the Apple App Store and Play Store for Android.
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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