Preparations Continue for First Span Lift

• The 3-day span lift is currently scheduled to begin on June  25, weather permitting.
• The existing bridge is not impacted by the lift and will remain OPEN to traffic.
• Factors such as the status of lift preparations, the project schedule and weather can all impact the timing of the lift operation. It is necessary for the dates of the lift to remain flexible in order to ensure a safe and efficient lifting operation. A final determination on the timing of the lift is expected to be made a few days prior to the event. Once that information is known, it will be shared with local media outlets.
• The lift operation is expected to take three days. Current plans call for the span to be floated into position and partially lifted on the first day. On day two, the span is expected to be lifted to its full height. On the last day of the operation, a massive beam will be placed under the truss, supported by the temporary pier and the existing pier. This beam will later be used when sliding the new bridge from the temporary piers to the permanent piers.
• The public can watch the span lift from the shore outside of the restricted, fenced-in project area.  Recreational boaters are discouraged from watching the lift from the river. Boats must stay back 500 feet on either side of the bridge. There will also be a “no wake” zone 1,000 feet upstream and downstream of the bridge during the lift. These restricted areas will be enforced.
• While the lift is going on, a full range of project activities will also be underway. Work will continue on the bridge abutment/retaining wall on the north end of the bridge at Harrison St. Preassembly of the next span section will continue on barges at the Milton shore. And removal of the pier 4 cofferdam will continue.

A similar span-lifting method was used during the widening of Louisiana’s Huey P. Long Bridge. You can watch it by clicking on the image below.