CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – State Representative Jay Reedy (R-Erin) and officials with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) have provided an update on construction progress on the McClure Bridge project in Montgomery County.
Currently, various locations throughout the project are being cleared of impediments, and officials have begun the relocation of some streams. All necessary erosion control measures are in place, and the bridge contractor has also created the haul road so that crews and machinery will be able to begin bridge construction on the east side of the roadway.
Contractors are also working with local utility districts for approval with the expectation that utility equipment will begin being relocated in early June.
Additionally, geotechnical engineers are collecting data and examining pier locations prior to drilled shaft installation, scheduled for mid-June.
In 2016, inspections on the McClure Bridge — which spans the Cumberland River and connects Montgomery and Houston Counties — revealed problems with one of the support beams. This discovery led to TDOT implementing a weight restriction of 21 tons in Montgomery County, which meant the bridge was off limits to loaded 18-wheelers.
Last August, the bridge underwent extensive repair work over the course of three weekends — including joint replacement, asphalt milling and replacement on the surface of the bridge.
The current structure will eventually be replaced by a new bridge; it is expected to be completed in the summer of 2021.