Bridge over Mississippi River at Le Claire (WQAD) |
Damage to the Interstate 80 bridge over the Mississippi River at Le Claire is worse than first thought and officials say two lanes could be closed until 2010.
An annual inspection found a large crack in one steel beam, which prompted a closer look at the entire bridge, which was built in 1966. That closed all eastbound traffic. Bridge inspectors then discovered a second crack in a steel beam on May 12.
The Illinois Department of Transportation maintains the bridge. Officials with the agency say the bridge won't fully reopen until at least late fall and possibly next summer.
The bridge will be closed to all eastbound traffic through at least mid-June. One westbound lane remains open.
The estimated cost of the repairs is $6 million.
Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
An annual inspection found a large crack in one steel beam, which prompted a closer look at the entire bridge, which was built in 1966. That closed all eastbound traffic. Bridge inspectors then discovered a second crack in a steel beam on May 12.
The Illinois Department of Transportation maintains the bridge. Officials with the agency say the bridge won't fully reopen until at least late fall and possibly next summer.
The bridge will be closed to all eastbound traffic through at least mid-June. One westbound lane remains open.
The estimated cost of the repairs is $6 million.
Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
