A bridge that has been in use for only a year has been closed for upgrades after cracks developed in the concrete pier caps.
New columns are to be added to boost support for the deck. The bridge over the Caney Fork River in the US state of Tennessee is to remain closed while the additional work takes place.
Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) began construction of the US 70 North (SR 24) bridge in late 2012 as part of a project to replace the old truss-style structure. It was opened about a year ago.
For several months, TDOT construction personnel and bridge inspectors, along with the contractor Concrete Structures, have been monitoring hairline cracks that developed in the concrete pier caps. TDOT said that it was normal for some cracking to occur but that in this instance multiple cracks have developed on several of the pier caps that support the bridge’s deck.
It has therefore decided to increase the bridge’s support system. Additional columns will be added on each side of the seven existing piers. This approach will not require any part of the new bridge to be taken down or replaced.
The goal is to restore traffic to the bridge within 90 days.
