I-495 bridge in Delaware shows some rebounding as dirt piles removed

(file/NewsWorks)

(file/NewsWorks)

As crews finish removing dirt piled under the I-495 bridge, the Delaware Department of Transportation reports that a slight correction has occurred.

According to DelDOT, “Some rebounding (0.1 degrees) of the affected piers to their original alignment was detected.”

DelDOT has scheduled a briefing for 1:30 on Tuesday.  They will update the condition of the bridge and possibly other issues connected with the closing.

Crews finished removing the 50,000 tons of dirt today. Its unclear where the dirt stockpile came from or how long it’s been there.  DelDOT has also installed additional monitors to detect subsurface soil movements.

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The 4,800 foot span over the Christina River was shut down last week after engineers noticed four support columns were tilted.

DelDOT has also ordered some of their 1,600 bridges in the state to undergo additional inspections. Crews will start with bridges over 500 feet in size, according to DelDOT.

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