Traffic is down to one lane over Maples Bridge on Alabama 127 and an Alabama Department of Transportation official said it would probably stay that way for several more weeks during testing of the decking.
The bridge is between Elkmont and the Tennessee state line.
Johnny Harris, chief engineer of the ALDOT Northern Division office in Guntersville said Friday that the condition of the decking is in question.
“We’re still evaluating what to do with the deck,” said Harris. “We took the asphalt overlay off to determine the condition of the deck. We’re doing testing to see what kind of repairs to take. We have no specific timeline on when the work will be completed.”
ALDOT began work on the bridge when it was discovered that de-lamination was occurring where the upper part of the concrete is not attached and potholes forming.
The corrosion of the concrete in areas was caused from the use of calcium chloride in icy conditions. It was used about 20 years ago before the more modern, less corrosive mixtures crews use today, said Randy Smith, the maintenance superintendent of bridge repair.
Engineers had determined that the substructure of the bridge is in good condition and besides the potholes, there were no other hazards. ALDOT recently acquired two radio advisory systems to alert drivers of conditions. Also, portable traffic light systems direct traffic instead of crewmembers with signs.
Drivers can tune radios to 1650 AM while in the area to hear the latest in the project’s status on the radio advisory system.
Local News
Work slows on Maples Bridge on Alabama 127
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