(February 13, 2012) – The State Highway Administration (SHA) will have multiple 10-minute openings of the US 50 (Harry W. Kelley) drawbridge next week as crews perform the biennial inspection of the 70-year old structure.  The inspection will consist of a thorough review and maintenance of the mechanical, structural and electrical systems of the bridge.   Crews will use portable variable message signs to advise motorists of upcoming lane closures and directing traffic across the bridge. 

“SHA and the contractor will open the bridge for test openings during the day,” stated SHA District 1 Engineer Donnie Drewer.  “It is our hope to keep traffic disruptions to a minimum.”

Workers will be on site beginning Thursday, February 16.  The mechanical and electrical inspection will require temporary bridge openings between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays for the next three weeks, weather permitting.     

The structural inspection requires SHA to close a single lane between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays starting Monday, February 20 and continuing through April 15.  The single lane closure will allow SHA to use a “snooper” truck.  A “snooper” truck will use a travel lane, has an elevated bucket and an arm extension that reaches underneath of the bridge.

Crews will also use a small boat to perform channel depth measurements at the bridge.  Although inspection personnel and equipment will be in proximity to the navigable channel, SHA does not anticipate any disruption to navigation by boaters.  If the inspection work does interfere with navigation through the channel, SHA crews will relocate temporarily upon request.  Mariners are urged to exercise caution when using the channel area near and under the bridge. 

While SHA and its transportation partners work hard to maintain safe traffic mobility in work zones, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert and look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.  Slow down and don’t follow too closely.   Safer driving and safer work zones benefit everyone.

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