RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Jeff Caldwell (804) 786-2715 Jeffrey.Caldwell@VDOT.Virginia.gov

CO-0781 Oct. 19, 2007

VDOT COMPLETES DECK-TRUSS BRIDGE RE-INSPECTIONS
No Serious Safety Issues Uncovered

RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has completed the re-inspection of 11 deck-truss bridges similar in construction to the I-35W Minneapolis Bridge that collapsed in early August.

No serious safety issues were uncovered during the inspections, but the bridge inspections noted needed repairs on three bridges. Work on two of these bridges has already been completed, while repairs on the third bridge are under way.

“We ordered inspections of all of our deck-truss bridges following the Minnesota collapse to ensure that there were no imminent safety issues,” said Ken Walus, VDOT’s state structure and bridge engineer. “Although we have no reason to suspect that any of our 20,823 bridges are unsafe for traffic, we are being extra cautious to ensure that any Virginia bridges similar to the bridge involved in the Minnesota tragedy received another inspection to look for anything out of the ordinary.”

For a complete list of the 11 deck-truss bridges including a summary of the inspection results, click here.

In all but three cases, the re-inspections of these structures turned up no major problems. Minor strengthening work was done to two bridges in Page County - the Route 340 Bridge over Jeremy’s Run and the Route 340 Bridge over Overall Run - to reinforce areas with increased deterioration.

This deterioration was repaired within days and the bridges remain open to traffic. Projects are also under way to replace both of these bridges.

Ultrasonic inspections of a third structure, the Route 3 Robert O. Norris Bridge over the Rappahannock River in Middlesex County, found a possible abnormality within one of 160 pins used to connect structural elements in the bridge.

Ultrasonic testing indicated an abnormality inside one 6-inch by 12-and-three-quarters-inch bridge pin not visible to the naked eye.

VDOT crews took immediate action to restrict the bridge to a three-ton weight limit on Oct. 3. An emergency contract was put into place to make necessary repairs.

Repair work has begun on the bridge as crews have started to install extra bridge supports before replacing the bridge pin. Work is scheduled for completion Nov. 3.

Meanwhile, vehicles weighing more than three tons are being rerouted. Overweight vehicles should use Route 17 North to Route 360 near Tappahannock, follow Route 360 East to Warsaw, then take Route 3 South to bypass the bridge.

VDOT engineers completed the review bridge inspection reports for all fracture-critical bridges in its inventory and are currently conducting quality assurance reviews in the field.

Routine bridge inspections also continue to ensure that all 20,823 Virginia bridges remain safe for motorists.

When bridge inspectors find any safety concerns, bridges are immediately posted to reduce weight limits or closed until necessary repairs are made.

For more information about VDOT’s bridge-inspection program, visit VirginiaDOT.org/bridges.
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