MONROE, La. — Work continues on the $27.5 million rehabilitation project for the Interstate 20 Mississippi River Bridge, according to a report released Oct. 14 the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DODT).
The structure, which is nearly 50 years old, is one of the nation’s few interstate crossings over the river, and connects Louisiana’s Madison Parish to Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Since the project began in January 2020, the contractor has completed rehab work on the bridge deck along both westbound lanes and one eastbound lane; paving continues on the remaining eastbound lane. Repairs are also complete to the transverse beam of the structure, which serves to help transmit the loads crossing the bridge. Additionally, two bearings on one of the piers have been replaced.
The new inspection walkway on the downstream side of the bride is nearly complete, as well as the ladders that provide access to the aerial beacons.
The contractor continues to work on improvements to the electrical power distribution system, lighting and instrumentation. Nearly 100 roadway lighting fixtures are being replaced with a modern LED system. Roadway fiber optics are being replaced with new cameras and radar that will be integrated into Mississippi’s IT Network.
Work will soon begin on the access stairs for the new inspection walkway, in addition to repairs to the major expansion joints of the bridge. The steel structural connections at certain points on the bridge are being modified to improve resilience against a variety of loads and conditions.
DOTD reminds motorists that lane closures remain in place on the bridge as work continues, and drivers are urged to travel with caution through the construction zone.
The entire project is anticipated to be complete in early 2021, weather permitting.
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