Work began on the Fourth Street Bridge project over Interstate-40 a couple of weeks ago, which has created some delays at times on I-40. Crews are moving dirt and rocks around the bridge and are constructing crossovers in preparation for additional work starting in May. City of Flagstaff project manager Jeremy DeGeyter says they will be using a “bridge slide” process to replace the existing old bridge. He says “the new bridges will be built on either side of the existing bridges, then the existing bridges will be demolished.” He adds “new support structures and abutments will be constructed and the new bridge will be slid into place and connected.” The technique is to speed up the bridge construction process. It will be the third bridge in the state where ADOT used the “bridge slide” process. Fourth Street will be closed in the area for three days next week and will close again for about three weeks in July. That’s when the bridge will be slid into place and secured. Normal bridge construction would normally take three-to-four months.
To listen to Peter and Dave’s interview with Jeremy on KAFF Country 93.5/AM 930 last week, click here:
