BY CARMEN RODGERS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
According to officials with the Alabama Department of Transportation, the contractor overseeing the work on the Benjamin Fitzpatrick Bridge in Tallassee began placing signs and message boards approaching the bridge this week.
Lane closures will not be permitted Monday through Friday 6-8 a.m. or 3:30-5:30 p.m. Lane closures are necessary for the safety of the people and the use of equipment needed to complete the project.
The 1,738-foot-long bridge, which was dedicated in December 1940, is one of the longest curved bridges in the country.
According to Bridgehunters.com, an inspection report, as of August 2017, listed the overall condition as poor, the superstructure condition rating was poor at 4 out of 9, the substructure condition rating was fair with 5 out of 9, the deck condition rating was fair with 5 out of 9, with an overall sufficiency rating of 6 out of 100.
Work on the bridge is expected to begin Wednesday, March 1, with the contractor placing the containment structure on the side and under the bridge. The enclosure will be in place to catch, collect, and remove all residue while prepping and painting the bridge.
In addition to painting, the bridge will undergo maintenance designed to extend the life of the bridge, including applying a layer of sealant to the concrete bridge deck.
Other work will include new fencing, removing and repairing areas of concrete, and performing minor repairs to steel, expansion joints and bearings.
Traffic will be directed utilizing temporary traffic signals with the possibility of flagmen.
Motorists are advised to plan accordingly for delays from lane closures and to be mindful of equipment and people working in the work zone.
ALDOT awarded the project to Omega Coatings and Construction, LLC, out of Tarpon Springs, Fla., who had the lowest bid that met project requirements, at a cost of approximately $3.5 million.
The project in its entirety is expected to last approximately 16 months. All work is weather dependent and delays in the schedule are possible.
