Starting Monday, June 16, Southern Constructors Inc. crews will be making minor repairs to the 17th Street Bridge that will safely extend the lifespan of the 87-year-old bridge.

For two months, the repair work will temporarily reduce the number of lanes on the bridge available to commuters from four lanes to two – an unimpeded lane in each direction. The repairs were scheduled for this summer, to limit the inconvenience to motorists; traffic is lighter in the Fort Sanders area this time of year because most University of Tennessee students and faculty aren’t on campus.

The good news, following a routine but thorough inspection by CDM Smith, is that the bridge spanning Norfolk Southern rail lines is structurally sound and can remain in service for years to come, requiring relatively small repairs to the top deck of the bridge, expected to total less than $380,000. 

CDM Smith had been asked to assess the bridge and determine cost estimates to either repair or replace the bridge. Based on CDM Smith’s findings, the City Engineering Department determined that extending the service life of the bridge through repairs to the deck was a safe, efficient and cost-effective option.

Southern Constructors was the lowest and most responsive bidder that submitted a proposal to make the repairs. The project is expected to be completed by mid-August.