MEMPHIS, Tenn. — UPDATE 7-10-2021 - (TDOT News Release) - The contractor is finishing phase two and beginning their part of phase three, repairing the additional areas of concern found in the inspection. Below is work that is happening over the weekend.
- Final bolting and torqueing are ongoing
- Removal and installation of miscellaneous pieces
Priming and painting of phase 2 work
Installing access platforms for phase 3 work
As reported Tuesday, bridge inspectors conducted ultrasound testing on more than 500 weld connections. So far, we have identified the need for nine additional plates. We are currently completing the design of those plates. Material is being sourced with fabrication to follow. Analysis of the 800-page inspection report is ongoing. The safety of the workers and the public is our number one priority.
A reminder, we have added two new portable cameras: One to monitor work on the I-40 bridge and one to monitor traffic at the I-55 Crump Interchange.
All interstate traffic in the Memphis area is being diverted to I-55. To help you plan ahead, every Monday, we are posting estimated average travel delays for the week on our website so you can see which days and times to avoid. You can also view real-time digital message signs alerting you of any incidents.
TDOT HELP trucks are stationed on both sides of the I-55 bridge to respond quickly to any incidents and keep lanes open. Below are direct links to the TDOT SmartWay cameras posted at the east and west approaches of I-55 for live traffic information.
We are holding daily meetings with ARDOT, our consultants, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Memphis Police Department, and FHWA to develop and expedite the repair project while managing traffic along the alternate routes.
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7/7/2021 - (TDOT News Release) - The contractor has completed the repair of the initial fracture. Below is work that is happening this week.
- Removed all post-tensioning (PT) rods, now removing weldment/anchors
- Minor miscellaneous drilling remains on some small connection pieces
- Final bolting and torqueing are ongoing
- Removal of the rigging from the upper truss section
- Several miscellaneous bracing and connection pieces that were initially removed to accommodate the work are being re-installed
Bridge inspectors conducted ultrasound testing on more than 500 weld connections. We have identified nine locations that need plating. We are currently completing the design of those plates this week. Material is being sourced with fabrication to follow. Our goal for opening the bridge is still the end of July. The safety of the workers and the public is our number one priority.
A reminder, we have added two new portable cameras: One to monitor work on the I-40 bridge and one to monitor traffic at the I-55 Crump Interchange.
All interstate traffic in the Memphis area is being diverted to I-55. To help you plan ahead, every Monday, we are posting estimated average travel delays for the week on our website so you can see which days and times to avoid. You can also view real-time digital message signs alerting you of any incidents.
TDOT HELP trucks are stationed on both sides of the I-55 bridge to respond quickly to any incidents and keep lanes open. Below are direct links to the TDOT SmartWay cameras posted at the east and west approaches of I-55 for live traffic information.
We are holding daily meetings with ARDOT, our consultants, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Memphis Police Department, and FHWA to develop and expedite the repair project while managing traffic along the alternate routes.
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7/3/2021 - The Tennessee Department of Transportation says they've identified locations along the I-40 Hernando de Soto bridge that may need additional repairs.
As far as repairs to the cracked beam that was removed, crews finished up final bolting and torqueing Friday.
TDOT plans to weld starting next week. That’s when they will also remove the rigging from the upper beams.
You can read the full update from TDOT below.
As 24/7 operations continue, the contractor is making significant progress on the repairs. All structural and splice plates have been installed at the fracture location. Below is work that will be happening over the next several days.
- Minor miscellaneous drilling remains on some small connection pieces.
- Final bolting and torqueing are ongoing and should be completed by tonight.
- De-stressing of the post-tensioning (PT) system should be completed on Saturday.
- Once the PT system is de-stressed, removing the PT Rods and weldment/anchors will begin
- next week.
- Removal of the rigging from the upper truss section will also begin next week.
- Several miscellaneous bracing and connection pieces that were initially removed to accommodate the work are being re-installed.
Today the department received a draft report on the inspection. No failures were found but we have identified locations that may need some additional repairs. We have asked the contractor to proceed with sourcing the various materials we’ll need for those repairs. No detailed schedule yet but our original end of July date is still the goal. The safety of the workers and the public is our number one priority.
A reminder, we have added two new portable cameras: One to monitor work on the I-40 bridge and one to monitor traffic at the I-55 Crump Interchange.
All interstate traffic in the Memphis area is being diverted to I-55. To help you plan ahead, every Monday, we are posting estimated average travel delays for the week on our website so you can see which days and times to avoid. You can also view real-time digital message signs alerting you of any incidents.
TDOT HELP trucks are stationed on both sides of the I-55 bridge to respond quickly to any incidents and keep lanes open. Below are direct links to the TDOT SmartWay cameras posted at the east and west approaches of I-55 for live traffic information.
We are holding daily meetings with ARDOT, our consultants, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Memphis Police Department, and FHWA to develop and expedite the repair project while managing traffic along the alternate routes.