Bridge work moves forward on SR 243

RUSSELLVILLE — Construction of a new bridge over Cedar Creek on SR 243 is moving forward as crews recently completed a major step in the project.

Last week, contractor Miller and Miller poured about 145 cubic yards of concrete to form the bridge deck. The deck will serve as the riding surface for the new single span bridge.

Concrete was delivered to the site south of Russellville by 17 mixer trucks throughout the day. The concrete was transferred onto the bridge using boom pumps. Workers then spread and leveled the material while a screed moved across the surface to create a smooth finish.

The bridge project began last summer as part of a $2.8 million effort to replace an existing structure. Crews first graded the roadway approaches and demolished portions of the old bridge, which was about 60 years old.

During demolition, part of the old structure remained standing while work began on the new foundation.

Subcontractor Russo Corporation drilled deep foundations for the new bridge. Crews constructed six drilled shafts, each between 20 and 30 feet deep. Three shafts support each of the two bridge abutments.

In January, crews installed five prestressed concrete girders that span the creek. The beams are about 137 feet long and 6 feet tall. Cranes lifted each girder into place, where they rest on the abutments at both ends of the bridge.

After the girders were set, workers installed deck pans, built forms and tied rebar in preparation for the concrete pour that was completed last week.

The new bridge design differs from the old structure. The previous bridge had four spans with piers in the water. The new bridge is a single span, meaning there are no supports in the creek.

CONTRIBUTED/ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Subcontractor Russo Corporation drilled six deep shafts for the two bridge abutments, each from 20 to 30 feet deep.

The updated structure is also wider and slightly higher. While it is only about four feet longer than the old bridge, it is about seven feet wider. The added width will provide shoulder space for drivers. The bridge will also be about 4.5 feet higher than the previous one.

According to Seth Burkett, spokesperson for the Alabama Department of Transportation, the closure of SR 243 has been necessary to complete the work safely.

“While the year-long road closure has been an inconvenience for those who travel SR 243 daily, it was necessary to facilitate construction of the new bridge, a wider and safer structure constructed to modern standards that will serve travelers for decades to come,” he said.

Burkett said the project will be completed this summer. Remaining work includes building the bridge rails, paving the roadway approaches and installing guardrails and traffic markings.

Burkett also said commercial drivers must follow the posted detour route.

“Passenger traffic may use other alternates, but commercial traffic must use the posted detour, U.S. 43 from Russellville to SR 13 at Spruce Pine to SR 195 in Haleyville for southbound traffic, and vice versa for northbound traffic.”