MEMPHIS, Tenn. — TDOT announced it will be load testing the I-40 Bridge Wednesday.
“Contractors were able to make significant progress over the weekend,” TDOT said in Monday’s update. “All 17 plates are in place. Drilling, bolting, and torqueing are ongoing.”
TDOT said the complete installation of the plates is a process that also involves the removal of the lateral bracing, modification of the gusset connection plate, and reinstallation of the lateral bracing. Once the last bolt is torqued on the plate, these items can be completed.
PHOTOS: I-40 Bridge closed after crack discovered
On Wednesday, TDOT will be load testing the bridge to monitor the performance using the existing sensors on the bridge.
The data will be used to monitor how the stresses are transferred throughout the bridge support system.
“We do not have an exact opening date yet, but we are getting close. A schedule will be shared as soon as it’s available,” TDOT said.
On Friday, TDOT officials said the I-40 Bridge would likely not reopen until August.
“Contractors are progressing on the phase three repairs. There is now a total of 17 plates. Thirteen of the 17 plates have been at least “rough-set.” The last four plates are arriving today and will be set over the next few days,” TDOT said Friday.
“Aside from the drilling, bolting, and torqueing, installation of these plates is a process that also involves the removal of the lateral bracing, modification of the gusset connection plate, and reinstallation of the lateral bracing. Once the last bolt is torqued on the plate, these items can be completed. This work will likely push us into the first part of August in opening the bridge to traffic.”
TDOT said they should have a specific schedule this week.
RELATED: 2019 Photo appears to show crack in I-40 Bridge then
The I-40 Bridge connecting West Memphis, Arkansas and Memphis, Tennessee was abruptly shut down on May 11 after a crack was found in the bridge during routine bridge inspection by crews with the Arkansas Department of Transportation.
People began coming forward with videos and photos of the bridge, showing the beginning of a fracture in the bridge’s structure. ARDOT confirmed that the crack was forming in 2019, and one man claimed to have proof of the break dating as far back as 2016.
RELATED: Local man says his pictures show I-40 Bridge damage from 2016
The infrastructure issue brought the governors of Arkansas and Tennessee and White House officials to the Mid-South to discuss the problem and brought attention to other local bridges.
At best, transportation officials expected it to take months to reopen the fracture.
RELATED: ‘All I can say is months’: Officials confirm long-term closure of I-40 Bridge
Meanwhile, Mid-South cities dealt with the fallout.
Around 60,000 commuters a day were impacted, leaving frustrated drivers and city officials on both sides of the Mississippi River.
FOX13 is continuing to cover the I-40 Bridge Closure. Check back here for future updates on this developing situation.
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