11/6/2008
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Work on Robinson, Black Cat bridge piers continues; deck work delayed for investigation
BOISE - Crews will continue work on the Robinson Boulevard Bridge Monday night (Nov. 10) when a 63-ton cap is placed on two new bridge columns on I-84, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) announced.
The pier cap is the concrete block that supports the bridge deck and distributes the weight of the bridge and vehicles driving on the structure.
Just after 2 p.m., the concrete bridge-deck paving machine was removed so that crews can dismantle the structure to analyze what led to the Oct. 27 accident.
The inside lane on westbound I-84 between Garrity and Meridian interchanges will be closed overnight on Nov. 10 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. while the cap is placed. Another concrete cap will be placed on the new Black Cat Road Bridge later in the week.
The overnight placement is one of several accelerated bridge construction methods ITD is using to expedite construction on the heavily traveled interstate.
Work resumed last week on portions of the project not in the immediate area of the accident. No work is occurring on the bridge decks.
The bridge decks were being constructed in a field immediately northwest of the former Robinson Road structure. At the time of the accident, concrete was being poured for the first deck.
Investigators have begun gradually disassembling the structure in the continuing investigation to determine the cause of the collapse.
The bridge investigation is not expected to interfere with progress on the I-84 widening project.
Robinson Boulevard is closed from Franklin Road to Stamm Lane. Black Cat Road is closed between Franklin Road and Overland Road.
Graham Construction & Management Inc. of Spokane is the contractor for the $8.5 million bridge project.
The project is funded through the GARVEE Transportation Program, which uses Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds to expedite I-84 improvements.