US 70 North (SR 24) Bridge Over Caney Fork River to Remain Closed in Smith County

TDOT to Perform Additional Work to Structure

NASHVILLE – The US 70 North (State Route 24) bridge over the Caney Fork River in Smith County, which was closed to traffic on Tuesday, will remain closed while additional work is performed on the structure. TDOT began construction on this bridge in late 2012 as part of a project to totally replace the old truss style bridge over the Caney Fork River.

For several months, TDOT construction personnel and bridge inspectors, along with the contractor (Concrete Structures, Inc.) building the new bridge, have been monitoring hairline cracks that developed in the concrete pier caps, which sit on top of the bridge columns. Some cracking in concrete bridge pieces occurs normally and does not affect the structural integrity of the bridge. In this instance however, multiple cracks have developed on several of the pier caps, which work to support the bridge’s deck surface.

Through engineering and inspection work, TDOT has decided to increase the bridge’s support system. Work will be performed to add columns on each side of the seven existing columns. This work will not require any portion of the new bridge to be taken down or replaced. The new features will work in conjunction with the portions of the bridge already constructed.   

Due to the equipment and space that will be needed to perform this work, it will be necessary for the bridge to remain temporarily closed. TDOT is working with the contractor to acquire the needed materials and expedite the construction. TDOT’s goal is to restore traffic to the bridge within 90 days. Concrete Structures, Inc. has worked closely with the department to monitor the bridge’s condition and to determine the best course of action moving forward.

The established detour route will remain in place throughout the duration of the additional construction work.

Motorists traveling in this area should follow the detour signs already in place.

DETOUR INFORMATION:

Motorists traveling east on US 70N can take SR 53 South to access I-40 near Gordonsville or continue on SR 53 South to access SR 141 East. Follow SR 141 to SR 264 North to reconnect with US 70N.

Motorists traveling west on US 70N can take SR 264 South to SR 141 West. Follow SR 141 to SR 53 North to access I-40 or continue on SR 53 to reconnect with US 70N.

Click here for a map of the detour route.

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