Friday, February 15, 2008

Bids close on Eighth Street Viaduct


Eighth Street Viaduct in the foreground

Bidding for the reconstruction of the Eighth Street Viaduct concluded yesterday at noon.

The $20-$25 million project will rebuild much of the superstructure and will result in a new roadway with a width of 70 feet - including four vehicular lanes, two bike lanes, and six-foot sidewalks on each side.

Construction will be done in two phases:

* A complete replacement of the Eighth Street Approach Bridge and the Burns Street ramp as well as the replacement of 22 piers, which will require closure of the entire viaduct; then,
* On the viaduct structure, rehabilitation and replacement of the concrete deck and roadbed, and the installation of new sidewalks, railing and lighting.

Work will likely begin this spring and should take about two years to complete.

The current viaduct, which opened in 1928, is 2,730 feet in length and is composed of 79 reinforced concrete and concrete-encased steel spans.*

During its last inspection, the Hamilton County Engineers' Office gave the viaduct a rating of 3 out of a possible 10, or "serious" condition.

Funding for the project comes from federal, state, and county highway sources as well as City capital funds.

* The entire length of the project site is 3,500 feet.

3 comments:

Signify said...

I drive this viaduct everyday for work. Do you have any more info on the closure? Will access from River Rd be restricted? Thanks.

An exact start date for the closure would be nice too. ;-)

Kevin LeMaster said...

^ River Rd? Are you thinking of the Sixth Street/Waldvogel viaduct?

LOL...I don't think anyone knows exactly when it will close until the bid is awarded and the Notice to Proceed is issued.

Signify said...

Yes, your right. I'm getting paranoid after dealing with the River Rd construction for 2 years. I guess the Waldvogel work won't occur until the Eighth St. Viaduct is finished.

I have a few more years. Thanks.