March 09, 2022 MEMORIAL BRIDGE TO CLOSE TEMPORARILY AS REHABILITATION BEGINS
Memorial Bridge will close temporarily as the full rehabilitation process begins. The bridge will be closed to traffic when construction kicks off Tuesday, March 15 and will reopen in approximately 45 days.
A full examination of the current bridge deck and steel superstructure is needed. This requires a total bridge closure.
“Although our goal was to keep the bridge open at all times through the construction process, key work that requires a full closure needs to be completed. We anticipate this work will take approximately 45 days, and our team continues to work to shorten that closure estimate. We plan to limit travel disruption as much as possible. We will keep the public informed of traffic impacts as we begin full rehabilitation of Memorial Bridge,” said Ken Szeliga, Vice President of Construction and Operations for Parkersburg Bridge Partners.
Full scale rehabilitation of the structure will result in a modernized bridge with a minimum service life of 50 years. Bridge improvements will include:
- New paint and coating system
- Complete deck removal and replacement
- Replacement of existing bridge parapet handrail
- Replacement of bearing pads, steel bearing rehabilitation, and other steel superstructure repairs
- Concrete pier and column repairs
- New LED roadway and decorative changeable colored lighting
- Repaved and improved bridge roadway approaches
Repairs to Memorial Bridge will significantly improve the structural condition and aesthetics of the bridge. In addition, the load rating will be increased and renew the ability for commercial traffic to safely cross Memorial Bridge. The full rehabilitation project is expected to be complete in October 2023.
A detour map is embedded in this post, and signs are clearly marked along the detour route.
