MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Transportation released a video Monday showing how it says the I-40 Hernando de Soto bridge will be repaired.
The repairs are expected to go through July.
You can read the latest update from TDOT on repairs to the bridge below:
6/7/2021 - We have created an animation that explains the repairs. Design work is complete. Fabrication of materials is underway as preparation for the permanent repair continues on the bridge.
Here's some of what is happening this week:
- St. Louis Bolt is fabricating the bolts for the post-tensioning (PT). The first batch could be ready as soon as tomorrow.
- The PT weldments/anchors are being fabricated. The first shipment could arrive as soon as Saturday, 6/12.
- The PT rods are being fabricated. The first shipment could arrive as soon as Monday, 6/14.
- Steel strengthening plates and splice plates are also being fabricated. No timeline yet for delivery.
- Pre-hanging rigging and supports on the bridge.
- Removal and replacement of floor beam stiffeners on the bridge.
In-depth inspections of the bridge are also happening. So far, there is nothing of concern. However, if any issues are found during the repairs, it could affect the bridge's opening date. The safety of the workers and the public is our number one priority.
All interstate traffic in the Memphis area is being diverted to I-55. We plan to add a lane to the I-55 southbound ramp to help alleviate some congestion and advance flow through the Crump Interchange. Crews will begin the paving and restriping this week as the weather allows.
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.
*Please note updates will now be twice a week, Monday and Friday*. You can follow @myTDOT on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest. We continue to update our photo album on Facebook called I-40 Hernando DeSoto Bridge – Memphis, Tennessee. We also have a webpage dedicated to the bridge repair. For updates and press releases, click on Library from your menu options: https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/region-4/i-40-hernando-desoto-bridge.html.
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6/6/2021 - Phase two is well underway on the bridge. Most of it is prep work as the materials needed are being fabricated. We are at the front of the line for fabrication, and materials are expected to be delivered in late June. Permanent repairs will begin immediately upon arrival and are anticipated to go through July.
Repairs by the Numbers:
- 53 tons of steel plates to be installed
- 3000 bolts required
- 2 - 150 feet of plates to be installed
- PT brackets are 4 feet wide and 8 feet tall and weigh 20,000 pounds each
- Project requires 1400 feet of 3" diameter high strength PT Rods
- PT rods stressed to 3,000,000 pounds
- 24/7 Operation
In-depth inspections of the bridge are happening now, and if any issues are found during the repairs, it could affect the opening date of the bridge. The safety of the workers and the public is our number one priority.
Overhead Truss Inspections
A thorough inspection of the I-55 bridge is complete, and TDOT finds that all previous inspection work done by ArDOT accurately reflects the bridge's condition. It is safe and can carry the current load.
As all interstate traffic in the Memphis area is diverted to I-55, we continue collecting data and studying ways to alleviate congestion and advance flow. 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.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg toured the bridge on Thursday and met with Tennessee and Arkansas officials.
We continue to hold 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.
You can expect your next daily update on Monday. Please follow @myTDOT on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest. We have created a photo album on Facebook called I-40 Hernando DeSoto Bridge – Memphis, Tennessee. Everyone has permission to use the pictures. We also have a webpage dedicated to the bridge repair. For the daily updates and press releases, click on Library from your menu options: https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/region-4/i-40-hernando-desoto-bridge.html.
