Memorial Bridge closing for rehabilitation Tuesday
Trending
PARKERSBURG -- The Memorial Bridge is set to close Tuesday for approximately 45 days as a massive rehabilitation project begins.
Parkersburg Bridge Partners, the company purchasing the toll bridge from the City of Parkersburg, released a detour map Friday, advising motorists to utilize the Belpre Bridge in downtown Parkersburg during the closure.
The company originally intended to keep at least one lane of the bridge open throughout the proposed $50 million project, designed to extend the bridge's useful life by at least 50 years. But during preliminary work this winter, it was discovered the span would need to be closed so that welds attaching the steel grid deck to the superstructure could be replaced to relieve stress that has built up over time, said Ryan Dolan, vice president of business for United Bridge Partners, PBP's parent company.
Tickets will still be valid when the bridge reopens, with the existing toll rates to remain in place until the rehabilitation is completed. That projected date is October 2023. After that, the bridge will move to a completely electronic tolling system and the price for a trip across in a standard, two-axle vehicle is expected to increase to $1.
The rehabilitation will include replacement of the deck, a new paint and coating system, 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.