Pier 22 of the bridge on the I-43 highway settled approximately 600mm on the morning of September 25.
General contractor Lunda Construction started yesterday on the US$1.57m stablisation project, which is due to be completed in early November. Two steel truss towers will be placed under the deck on both sides of pier 22, 17m away from the pier. They are designed to keep the deck from sagging further.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is also taking additional steps. Beginning next week, lateral supports are being installed at the top of piers 21, 22, 23 and 25. While no movement has been detected at any other piers, this precautionary measure will keep the piers vertical even if they settle in a manner similar to pier 22. The temporary measure will be removed once the pier foundations are permanently repaired.
WisDOT continuing its investigation on the condition of the other bridge piers. The department will also be conducting soil boring tests for the piers located in and adjacent to the Fox River, in keeping with the plan for a thorough investigation.
