Completion of the operation enables work to resume on sliding the bridge’s new 740m-long truss into place.
The bridge had to be jacked up by about 300mm in order to replace the damaged bearing. “The jacking process went as expected,” said Dav Kessinger, project manager for Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. “With this work completed, the focus is now on preparations for sliding the main truss.”
Walsh Construction crews will now continue the installation of sliding harnesses - which was in progress when the bearing dislodged - to prepare for the main slide. The steel truss will be slid laterally 17m onto refurbished permanent piers.
The Milton-Madison Bridge project is a joint effort between the Indiana Department of Transportation and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Replacing the superstructure was found to be the fastest and most cost-effective way to build a new bridge, while having the least impact on the historic towns and the natural environment.
