Old State Route 109 Bridge Imploded April 25th

GALLATIN, Tenn. – Tennessee Department of Transportation contract crews imploded the old State Route 109 Bridge over the Cumberland River in Sumner and Wilson counties on Friday, April 25th. Traffic on the newly constructed bridge was temporarily stopped for the bridge implosion.   Lanes were reopened to traffic shortly after the blast.

Demolition crews used explosives to bring down the truss-style bridge that was built in the early 1950’s. The old structure showed signs of aging and was listed as structurally deficient prior to its implosion. Construction began in 2011 on a new $29.5 million concrete and steel bridge, which was built beside the original structure. One lane in each direction on the new bridge was opened in March 2014. The remaining two lanes are expected to be complete by fall 2014.

Approximately 16,500 vehicles travel the SR 109 Bridge each day. That number is expected to reach 30,000 by 2035.