JULY 2, 2009 ISSUE
Goshen Creek Bridge Repair Still Underway
The Goshen Creek Bridge repair that began in April 2008 is still underway. The bridge is located about five miles north of the intersection of Highway 321 and the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 286, and will most likely open this fall.
“We had a design change,” said Blue Ridge Parkway Chief of Maintenance Michael Molling. “There were some issues with the complexities of the structure. In a curve, on a grade, the geometry involved is pretty complex.”
The $2.3 million contract to fix the bridge was awarded to Taylor & Murphy Construction Company of Asheville. The contract stipulated construction be completed in 300 days, but the company previously received a contract extension through this spring.
“We’re still negotiating with the Federal Highway Administration,” Molling said. “They’re the contracting office; they oversee the project. We’re working with them to come up with a revised completion date.”
Motorists traveling on the parkway follow a detour around the construction from Aho Gap to the Bamboo Road entrance. The total detour is estimated to be approximately 8 miles.
The structure of the bridge is remaining intact during construction, but the road surface and deck are being replaced.
“They’re in the process of finishing the concrete decks,” Molling said. “They’re just now starting to deliver and begin the handrails.”
After the handrails are installed, the girders and superstructure that support the deck will be sandblasted and painted.
“We’re working to try to get the road open as soon as we can,” Molling said.
For updated parkway road conditions and closings, call 828-298-0398.
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