A lift span inspection carried out on Nov. 20 resulted in damage to the bridge deck and span guides that must be repaired before the lift span can be raised safely. The USCG issued a Notice to Mariners about the lift span closure. Since the bridge crosses a federal waterway, the Port is obligated to take immediate and sustained actions to keep the lift span open.
HDR Engineering developed a plan to replace two damaged deck panels immediately north of the lift span as well as the two span guides, and share in the cost of repairs. The replacement deck panels have been fabricated at a cost of $13,260 and delivered, with installation to follow the repair of span guides.
Span guides are affixed to the lift span at a total of eight locations, four at each end, providing lateral stability as the span is raised. Two lower span guides on the south end were damaged and must be replaced. HDR recommended the new span guides be fabricated to include rollers to allow for smoother movement as the lift span is raised, which adds about $13,000 to the cost, but would result in smoother lift operations. Fabrication and installation of the improved span guides are estimated at $66,000.
The Port has ratified contracts for the repairs, with night work scheduled to meet commitments with the USCG for lift span operability.