Work continues to open Earnest Bridge on the Chuckey Pike, with a target date now of early December.
In the days after the floods of Hurricane Helene, it was initially thought the bridge was damaged beyond repair. However, once the waters receded, TDOT inspectors found that scouring of the river bed and banks were not as severe as first thought.
Since mid October, TDOT has been working to repair the approaching roadways and back fill areas under the abutments where the bridge meets the river bank.
While that work has been ongoing, Chuckey Utility District has used the bridge deck to support temporary water lines that restored water to that part of the county. That utility has completed boring a new line under the river and is hoping to make final connections this week. When that work is completed, TDOT can begin removing the logs that are still on the bridge and will repair the upstream concrete railing that was damaged by the pounding of trees and debris.
With the rail repaired, TDOT will be able to open the bridge to one lane with signal lights at either end. They can then repair the downstream guard rail and reopen the bridge to two lane traffic.
For pictures of Earnest Bridge and the work being done there, visit our webpage at WGRV.com.
