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The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is finalizing plans to make structural repairs and paint the westbound Highway 84 Mississippi River Bridge in Natchez. MDOT performed similar work and replaced two pin and link combinations while inspecting the remaining six in 2015.
While the contract runs until spring 2019, in order to complete the bridge painting and replace the vital elements that have held the bridge together for 77 years, the westbound bridge will require a complete shutdown for a maximum of 365 days.The project will entail sandblasting, painting the bridge and replacing the other six combinations of pins and links.
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“Closing the westbound bridge for up to a year will allow crews to make these critical repairs and paint the bridge as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Transportation Commissioner Tom King. “With the federal funding currently in place, it’s in the best interest of the traveling public and taxpayers of Mississippi to have this major work done now so that it will not be needed again for many years.”
Before closing the westbound bridge, motorists can expect alternating single lane closures as crews perform preliminary work. MDOT anticipates temporary single lane closures on the westbound bridge beginning early June. Lane closures will be allowed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday during the preliminary work phase.
Preliminary work is expected to last approximately four to five weeks. Once this phase is complete, the westbound bridge will close for the bridge painting and pin and link replacement. MDOT will update the traveling public on the westbound bridge closure as preliminary work progresses. Penalty fees are in place to ensure the work taking place during both the preliminary phase and the closure period is completed as quickly as possible.
The preliminary work will entail the removal of aesthetic lighting, structural measurements for determining the necessary parts and equipment needed for the pin and link replacement, and the installation of a containment system designed to keep painting materials from reaching motorists or the river. Throughout the project, sandblasting will take place to remove lead paint from the bridge while ensuring it does not reach the river, creating a safe work zone for not only motorists, but also for wildlife and the surrounding environment.
Similar to the pin and link replacement MDOT performed in 2015, all traffic will be moved onto the eastbound bridge which will then become head-to-head while the westbound span is closed. A temporary median crossover has been constructed to the eastbound bridge for when traffic is placed in the head-to-head configuration. Once complete, the median crossovers will be removed and any landscaping or trees that were removed to build the temporary median will be replaced.
“Although this work will require the shutdown of the westbound bridge for up to a year, the project will extend the lifespan of the bridge for decades, stimulating economic growth and community development throughout the southwest part of the state,” said Commissioner King. “Considering the work involved with the structural repairs and painting of the bridge, it’s important we give crews enough time to make them properly to ensure the bridge remains safe and passable for years to come. We greatly appreciate the patience of the traveling public throughout the duration of this project.”
The project was awarded to Blastech Enterprises, Inc. at a cost of approximately $26.8 million. The public can stay updated on the project by visiting MDOTtraffic.com, with the MDOTTraffic mobile app or by calling 511. Follow @MississippiDOT on social media for the latest details on active construction projects.
Motorists are reminded to be aware of roadside workers once work begins. Work zones can present confusing and unfamiliar traffic patterns to some drivers. For information on how to navigate a work zone safely, visit GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms.
