CARTHAGE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee Department of Transportation crews performing a routine inspection on the Cordell Hull Bridge in Smith County discovered a 24-inch-long crack in a steel member underneath.
The bridge was built in 1934 and had already been closed to traffic for inspection. It will remain closed for at least a month out of an abundance of caution while repairs are made. The closure could last longer if there is a delay in getting the contractor any necessary materials for repairs.
Structural engineers will also evaluate the overall condition of the bridge and its load-carrying capacity.
Mid-State Construction Co. crews will begin work on Monday to install a work platform under the bridge to gain better access to the hard-to-reach beam that bears the crack.
The crews will drill holes at each end of the crack to keep it from growing any further, then determine if a more permanent solution is needed.
Alternate routes for motorists while the bridge is closed would be to take Upper Ferry Road or U.S. Hwy 70N to the SR 25 Bypass bridge.
