Work on the Interstate 65 bridge in Columbus, which has snarled traffic on State Road 46 for months, should wrap up by the end of July, according to the Indiana Department of Transportation.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Motorists on Columbus’ far west side have been veering around lane closures and dodging orange barrels under the Gateway Arch Bridge since late November.
The good news is that the worst of the traffic restrictions at the Interstate 65-State Road 46 interchange will be over in a little over a month. Traffic on State Road 46 in recent weeks has been reduced from three lanes to one lane in both directions near the bridge.
While the work should have been finished last winter, a closer look showed the bridge was in worse shape than originally expected.
Last fall, the Indiana Department of Transportation announced their intention to complete the installation of a supplemental cable suspension system at the landmark bridge in early 2023.
But during inspections, crews found unexpected corrosion that prompted the installation of temporary structures that ensured the 292-foot bridge would stay up during the rehabilitation project, INDOT strategic communications director Natalie Garrett said.
“All structures endure some deterioration over time,” Garrett said. “But because of limited visibility of the cables on this specific bridge, INDOT has been acting out of caution.”
Workers put up orange barrels and closed lanes in order to ensure no damage was done to the temporary structures under the bridge, as well as for public safety.
At the same time, engineers began to design and fabricate a one-of-a-kind hangar system to go on the uniquely designed bridge as a permanent repair, Garrett said.
The installation of the supplemental hangers is estimated to be completed in late July. That’s when the temporary supports under the bridge will be removed and traffic will return to its normal configuration, Garrett said.
One reader of The Republic complained that he had not seen any work being done at the construction site for weeks, if not months.
“There appears to be a lull in work at the bridge, due to contractors working at night, in addition to the design and fabrication of the supplemental support system,” Garrett stated in response.
Another factor resulting in delays was in designing the hanger system for the unique bridge that was originally constructed as a federal demonstration project. Back in the 1990s, the bridge was part of a $48 million investment called the “Front Door Project” that was completed over several years.
“The design was challenging due to the complex nature of the structure and its iconic status in the local community,” Garrett said. “Additionally, all structural components are fully custom to the bridge.”
But once traffic lanes all reopen under the Gateway Bridge and conditions get back to normal near the end of next month, crews will turn their full attention to completing a second project.
Last month, crews began work that will result in a right-hand turn lane for eastbound traffic on Jonathan Moore Pike to get onto Two Mile House Road. A new traffic signal will also be installed at the intersection. That same signal will allow traffic to get onto Jonathan Moore Pike from Two Mile House Road, which now has a number of motels, apartments and other developments.
The work at Two Mile House Road and Jonathan Moore Pike is expected to be completed this fall.
By Mark Webber of The (Columbus) Republic.
