PARKERSBURG -The Memorial Bridge will be undergoing repairs and renovations beginning next week that will take most of the summer.
Mayor Bob Newell Friday issued a press release outlining a tentative work schedule on the bridge beginning Monday. The bridge will either be closed or reduced to one lane of traffic for most of the summer.
"Those using the bridge can expect delays, while one lane is in use and should find an alternative route while the bridge is closed," the release stated.
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The Memorial Bridge will be reduced to one lane or closed entirely this summer as construction crews perform work.
Newell said city officials got a schedule of repairs from the construction company earlier this week. The schedules list repairs to be done, week by week, Newell said.
Repairs to the bridge include the complete replacement of a joint and portion of the deck. Pier 3 will undergo significant repairs and much of the deck will be resurfaced.
Newell said the entire project should be completed by Aug. 10 at a cost of about $650,000.
"This is all scheduled stuff we have been working on for at least a year," Newell said.
The mayor said officials put the engineering of the designs for repair out to bid last year.
"This year, they are going to make the repair," he said.
According to a release, beginning Monday through Thursday, bridge traffic will be reduced to one lane. Traffic controllers will flag motorists.
The bridge will be closed entirely for two weeks around July 23. It will reopen around Aug. 6 to one-lane traffic.
The joint repair will require the closure of the entire bridge, Newell said. Newell said crews will be doing other things, such as resurfacing, while the bridge is closed.
A painting contract will go to bid later this summer. Minimal traffic disruption is anticipated.
