The City of Jackson has been directed to close four more bridges do to structural problems.
Jackson has been directed to close four more bridges because of structural problems.
The Office of State Aid Road Construction, as part of federally mandated annual bridge inspections, told Jackson officials to close the bridges. Issues were found with timber piles, headwalls, and/or other timber components on each bridge. These closures are in addition to three bridges closed last week.
Hawthorne Drive between Sherwood Drive and Robin Drive (Eubanks Creek bridge). Detour route: Sherwood Drive/Mohawk Avenue to Council Circle to Chickasaw Avenue.
Cavalier Drive between Old Canton Road and Wood Dale Drive (Eubanks Creek Tributary bridge). Detour route: Old Canton Road to Ridge Drive/Wood Dale Drive.
Woodway Drive between State Street and Manhattan Road (Hanging Moss Creek Tributary bridge). Detour route: Manhattan Road to Cedars of Lebanon Road to State Street.
Beasley Road between Livingston Road and Northwest Industrial Parkway (Hanging Moss Creek bridge). Detour route: Livingston Road or Watkins Drive to West County Line Road to Northwest Industrial Pkwy.
Because of the number of bridges ordered closed this week, city crews closed Hawthorne and Cavalier at noon Thursday. Beasley, Ford and Woodway will be closed on by noon Friday.
Colonial Circle (Adkins Boulevard) between Orchardview Drive and Old Canton Road (Purple Creek bridge).
Raymond Road between Siwell Road and Hidden Valley Lane (Big Creek bridge).
Henderson Road approximately 200 feet south of McCleur Road (Trahon Creek bridge).
The issues found with the timber components of each bridge are such that state inspectors have determined the bridges cannot carry federal minimum weight loads for cars (3 tons gross weight). The city's Department of Public Works is reviewing each bridge inspection report to determine repair or replacement options and funding sources for each. These closures could last anywhere from six to 18 months depending on the work needed on each bridge.
In addition, the Ford Avenue entrance to Hawkins Field will be reduced to one lane because of issues found with the timber piles found under the westbound lane. Inspectors found that the eastbound lane did not have similar issues. The eastbound lane will be open for traffic in both directions yielding to each other. The bridge will continue to have a posted weight limit of 5 tons.
Drivers and residents are advised to obey the closure signage and use detour routes.