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Market Street bridge reduced to two lanes

Lewallen Bridge approach repairs continue


Work is underway to shore up the side of the roadway leading up to the Lewallen Bridge where part of the road collapsed after heavy rains last month. (photo:G. CHAMBERS WILLIAMS III )
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has reduced traffic flow over the downtown Market Street Bridge to one lane in each direction as work continues on improvements to the bridge.

Also still underway are repairs to the southbound approach to the Lewallen Bridge, where part of the roadway washed out last month, reducing traffic to one lane in each direction at the site.



Here is the latest information from TDOT regarding both of the bridge projects:



"Market Street Bridge – Beginning Tuesday, Dec. 10, in addition to the current lane closure on the eastbound side of North Charles G. Seivers Boulevard (Tennessee 61), one westbound lane is also being closed. The right lane on the westbound side will close, leaving only one lane flowing in each direction. This closure will last at least two weeks, maybe longer. We will provide updates as they become available.



"Lewallen Bridge – The temporary design of a single traffic lane flowing in each direction on Clinch Avenue (U.S. 25W/Tennessee 9) continues. Traffic backups during peak hours on northbound Clinch Avenue have improved some, after the city of Clinton hired its traffic signal electrical contractor to adjust the signal timing at the Clinch/Main traffic signals.



"Repairs to stabilize the slide are continuing, but the location of a temporary steel-beam bracing system is preventing any additional traffic lanes from being available. We are hopeful that one additional lane (a total of three) on Clinch Avenue may be opened within the next several weeks, but there is no firm time frame for this.

"Engineering designs are currently being reviewed for a stabilization method that will stay in place throughout the remainder of the bridge project. We will update everyone as information becomes available."