TDOT Commissioner Celebrates Completion of Sligo Bridge in DeKalb County

Chattanooga, Tenn. – Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer joined state and local officials today to celebrate the official completion the U.S. 70 (State Route 26) bridge over the Caney Fork and Sligo Road, known as the Sligo Bridge, in DeKalb County.

Friday's ribbon cutting marked the end of a nearly three-year project, which began in May 2013 and included replacement of the original 1948 truss-style structure. The new concrete and steel bridge covers 0.8 miles and is nearly double the width of the old bridge at 45 feet wide. Work also included construction of three retaining walls.  The $38.9 million project was designed with a wider substructure for potential future expansion of the bridge, a feature that is not possible on a truss bridge.

“We are very pleased to be here today to celebrate the completion of this important project with our state and local partners and the citizens of DeKalb County,” said Commissioner Schroer. “This bridge is very important to the region, and it will also make this area much safer and will benefit all motorists and area residents.”

The new bridge is 101 feet over the water, and the bridge depth below the water is 167 feet. Over 11,000 cubic yards of concrete and two million pounds of steel reinforcement were used on the bridge.  A major milestone occurred in August 2015 when traffic was shifted onto the newly-constructed bridge. This allowed the contractor to begin demolition of the old truss bridge, a task that took over a month.

Massman Construction Co., Inc. of Kansas City, Missouri, was prime contractor for the project, and completed the work several months ahead of the original June 30, 2016, completion date. 

Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet) and Representative Terry Lynn Weaver (R-Lancaster) represent DeKalb County in the Tennessee General Assembly.

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