Urgent repairs to the bridge over the Ohio River between Southern Indiana and Louisville in Kentucky had been scheduled to take six months but were completed in less than four. “We’ve never been happier to pay a contractor incentive dollars for an ahead-of-schedule performance,” said Indiana governor Mitch Daniels.
The Sherman Minton Bridge was closed on 9 September after a significant crack was discovered in a load-carrying element of the bridge. Extensive inspection, testing and analysis recommended reinforcing the bridge with steel plates, which is anticipated to extend the service life of the bridge at least 20 years.
Incentives, favourable weather conditions and efficient work by the contractors reduced the repair time from an estimated six months to less than four months. It is anticipated that Hall Contracting will receive US$1.3 million in incentives for reopening the bridge to traffic early.
Kentucky governor Steve Beshear applauded Louisville-based Hall Contracting for completing the project early. “The bridge is a vital route for commerce for both of our states, and we welcome its return,” he said.
Although the bridge has reopened, construction has not yet been completed. Subcontractors will still need to finish painting the new steel plates and remove working platforms attached to the bridge. Temperature-sensitive painting operations will occur during 30 work days as weather permits this winter and spring.
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