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PARKERSBURG -- The Memorial Bridge is reopening to traffic Saturday, although single-lane closures should be expected as a $50 million total rehabilitation project continues.
Parkersburg Bridge Partners, which recently acquired the toll bridge between Parkersburg and Belpre from the City of Parkersburg, made the announcement Thursday.
The maximum vehicle height will be 13 feet, 6 inches, and the 10-ton weight limit remains in place.
The bridge closed March 15 to begin the rehab project, which is expected to increase the span's useful life by at least 50 years. Plans includes a new paint and coating system, complete deck removal and replacement, replacement of the existing bridge parapet handrail, steel superstructure repairs, concrete pier and column repairs, new LED roadway and decorative lighting and repaved and improved bridge roadway approaches.
The closure was needed to allow contractors to replace welds connecting the steel grid deck beneath the driving surface to the rest of the superstructure.
During the closure, specialty equipment was used to remove concrete in limited areas of the deck, and those strips remain exposed in areas open to traffic, according to a release from Parkersburg Bridge Partners. This will not affect the bridge's safety or ability to carry the 10-ton weight limit, it said.
"If vehicle tires ride on the exposed areas, the experience will be similar to driving on a typical bridge drainage grate or rural, steel, open grate bridge," the release said. "The position of the exposed strips in the travel lane will make it possible for most vehicles to avoid the open grid. In this case, the driving experience will be more like that of a typical milling and paving project."
Due to the change in the riding surface, the company encourages motorcyclists to use an alternate route.
Drivers are asked to watch for flaggers, be aware of construction personnel and follow the posted 25 mph speed limit in the work zone.
The City of Parkersburg will continue to operate the toll bridge during the rehabilitation project. Toll rates will remain the same until it is completed. At that point they are expected to rise to at least $1 for a single trip with the addition of a new, electronic tolling system.