The closure to traffic followed a routine inspection by TDOT bridge inspectors, who found significant deterioration to the steel truss, spans and connections. Since that time, TDOT has worked with members of the Tennessee General Assembly, the City of Carthage and Smith County to develop rehabilitation plans.
“There are very few of these steel truss bridges remaining across the state,” said TDOT commissioner John Schroer. “We worked with a company that specialises in restoring truss bridges to develop this project and we are confident it will be able to serve this area for years to come once the project is complete.”
The project consists of removing and replacing the concrete bridge deck in all truss spans, replacing the bridge rails for the full length of the bridge, performing various structural steel repairs and bearing replacements, as well as concrete repairs on the bridge piers. The structural steel will also be blast cleaned and completely repainted. The project is expected to get under way in approximately six weeks, and is scheduled to be complete by November 2013.
The Cordell Hull Bridge opened to traffic in 1936 and is named for former US secretary of state Cordell Hull, who once lived in Carthage, Tennessee.
