News Summary
Knoxville plans to start minor repairs on the 17th Street Bridge on June 16, lasting around two months. The bridge will be reduced to two lanes during construction, which is set for completion by mid-August. The repairs were prompted by a recent inspection and aim to extend the bridge’s service life. Southern Constructors Inc. has been awarded the contract for the $380,000 project, scheduled during the summer to minimize traffic disruption in the Fort Sanders area as students are on break.
Knoxville Minor Repairs to Begin on 17th Street Bridge
Knoxville will see minor repairs begin on the 17th Street Bridge starting June 16, with construction anticipated to take approximately two months. The repairs will result in the bridge being reduced to two lanes for the duration of the project. Southern Constructors Inc. has been contracted for the work, which is estimated to cost less than $380,000.
Details of the Project
The repairs are scheduled to take place during the summer months, strategically chosen to mitigate traffic disruption. This period typically experiences lighter traffic in the Fort Sanders area as most students and faculty from the nearby University of Tennessee are on summer break. The construction is expected to be completed by mid-August, allowing normal traffic flow to resume as the fall semester begins.
The need for repairs was identified during a detailed inspection conducted by the engineering firm CDM Smith. The inspection found the bridge, which has been in use for 87 years, to be in good condition overall and deemed safe for use in the years to come. City officials confirmed that the bridge does not require major repairs, as it is structurally sound.
Reasoning Behind Repairs
The purpose of the upcoming work is to address maintenance on the top surface of the bridge. The City Engineering Department decided on this approach after CDM Smith evaluated whether the bridge should be repaired or completely replaced. The conclusion was that extending the bridge’s service life through the proposed deck repairs was the most viable option.
The selection process for the contracting firm was competitive, with Southern Constructors emerging as the lowest and most responsive bidder for the repair project. Their expertise in handling similar projects is expected to allow for efficient work that minimizes inconvenience to local motorists.
Background on the 17th Street Bridge
The 17th Street Bridge has served the Knoxville community for over eight decades, acting as a vital conduit over the Norfolk Southern rail lines. Its ongoing service is crucial for the city’s infrastructure, providing connectivity for both residents and visitors. The decision to perform these repairs reflects the city’s commitment to maintaining its transportation networks and ensuring road safety.
This maintenance project is part of broader efforts by Knoxville officials to ensure all essential infrastructure remains operational and secure. By prioritizing preventative repairs, the city aims to avoid more extensive work in the future, thus conserving resources and minimizing disruptions to traffic.
With the planned repairs on the 17th Street Bridge, Knoxville residents and commuters can expect some changes in traffic patterns over the next couple of months. City officials encourage drivers to plan their routes accordingly and remain patient as necessary maintenance is completed.
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Additional Resources
- WATE: Repairs on 17th Street Bridge
- Wikipedia: Bridge
- WBIR: 17th Street Bridge Repairs
- Google Search: 17th Street Bridge Knoxville
- WJHL: Road Around McGhee Tyson Airport
- Google Scholar: Bridge Repair
- Inside of Knoxville: Gay Street Bridge Repair Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bridge Maintenance
- Knox News: Gay Street Bridge Closure Impact
- Google News: Gay Street Bridge Knoxville
