The opening of the new Highway 41 bridge over the Conecuh River near Riverview will be delayed due to deficiencies found in the deck spans of the newly constructed bridge.
In statement released Tuesday, the Alabama Department of Transportation stated the deficiencies in construction were discovered last November.
“After a routine inspection of the final bridge deck spans raised several construction concerns, ALDOT immediately performed an extensive review of the bridge portions in question,” read a release from Katelyn E. Turner, public information officer for ALDOT. “Based on these findings, it was determined that all bridge decks would require replacement.”
Turner stated in her release that the contractor, Tanner, Inc., will be responsible for the work at no additional cost to ALDOT or the taxpayers. The project's original cost was about $14 million.
Attempts Wednesday to contact Turner on how much it will cost to replace the existing deck spans were unsuccessful.
She noted in her release that during the delay, motorists will continue to cross the river on the old bridge, which is adjacent to the current construction. She noted in 2015 the existing bridge was used by nearly 9,500 vehicles per day. By 2035 it is estimated that number will increase to about 15,500 per day.
She also noted a timeline as to when the new bridge will open has not been determined.
For more information, go to http://www.dot.state.al.us.
