I don’t normally post a second article in the afternoon, but I know many of us are anxious to receive news related to the Gay Street Bridge. Here’s what the city had to offer this afternoon:
Work to repair the Gay Street Bridge for pedestrian traffic is now underway. While contractors aren’t visible around the 127-year-old bridge just yet, further up river, near Governor Ned McWherter Park, crews are constructing the barge that will serve as the primary platform for repairs.
“I am relieved to finally see this work moving forward,” said Mayor Indya Kincannon. “Thank you to everyone for their patience during its closure. It will be a welcome sight to see people walking and biking across the historic span once again.”
TDOT engineers informed the City the bridge needed to close in June of 2024, after a routine inspection. Further assessments by Gresham Smith found cracked bolts, distorted elements, and warped steel. Last week, a full scope of the repairs to reopen the bridge to pedestrians was finalized, and a contract signed.
Charles Blalock & Sons will be leading repairs because of the company’s expertise in bridge repair and experience working with the U.S. Corp of Engineers, TVA, and the U.S. Coast Guard. The contract states repairs will not exceed $1,944,929.50 and will be completed by December 31, 2025.
While preparations were being made for this next step, the City also sought out cost estimates for the full replacement of the bridge. Engineers estimate the cost would be between $60-$200 million.
For more information and updates on repairs, including links to the latest contract and bridge repair plans, go to www.KnoxvilleTN.Gov/GayStBridge.
Not a lot in there is what we want to hear, but it’s good to be hearing something. Here’s hoping the timeline gets bumped up a bit.