KNOXVILLE — The T15 road closure, which was scheduled to begin on Monday, November 27th, has been pushed back one week to Monday, December 4th.

The closure is for a bridge replacement near Flagler between Old Hwy 92 and Lucas Dr.  Updates to this schedule are likely pending BNSF railroad approvals and weather.  Construction is anticipated to take 6-7 months and a detour will be in place throughout construction.  As a reminder, truck traffic shall not use Lisbon Dr. (Old Pella Rd).

Originally built in 1964, the current four span structure is showing signs of deterioration and is not meeting the needs of recent legislation to accommodate heavier loads, although not currently restricted with a load posting.  The existing 28’ wide 246’ four span continuous I-beam structure is being replaced with a 40’ wide 292’ two span pretensioned prestressed concrete beam bridge.  The custom two span design was chosen to remove all abutments and piers from the railroad right of way to reduce construction and future maintenance costs and simplify coordination.

Marion County Engineer Tyler Christian said of the closure: “Please use patience as this bridge replacement is completed, and if the currently structure is any indication, we won’t be replacing another for at least 60 years.”