The process of a bridge repair

U.S. 81 over Kyle Railroad in Ottawa County is in the process of being repaired.
The project is expected to wrap up next spring. 

By Ashley Tammen

North Central Kansas Public Affairs Manager

We often receive comments and questions about how long it takes to repair bridges. To properly explain the repair process, we must explain what makes up a bridge.

Bridges are composed of three basic elements: the foundation, the substructure that holds up the bridge deck and the superstructure or bridge deck. The superstructure is made up of several layers of reinforced steel with steel girders throughout. Bridge repairs can encompass repairing one of those elements or even up to all three — including the concrete surface and guardrails can break down over time.

One example of a bridge repair is on U.S. 81 over Kyle Railroad in Ottawa County. The superstructure needs repaired due to the wear and tear of concrete.

“Where there is damage on the bottom side of a bridge, you risk moisture coming in underneath. When maintenance staff goes to patch potholes on top, it doesn’t last long due to the moisture and the movement of the bridge,” said Phillip Nelson, Engineering Technician Senior in Salina. 

There are several steps that must be taken so the bridge deck can be replaced, which occur in multiple phases.

During the first phase, two temporary median crossovers are installed with drainage structures and inside shoulders so traffic can be rerouted to the opposite bridge while one bridge is being repaired.

Next, the existing U.S. 81 bridge will get an temporary asphalt overlay to help prevent damage while the two-way traffic is driving on the bridge and temporary guardrails will be installed.

During phase two, traffic will be reduced to one lane and temporarily detoured to the southbound U.S 81 bridge using both crossovers. Once traffic has been rerouted off the bridge under construction, the contractor will remove all the old concrete leaving only the steel girders.

The steel girders will then be repainted, and new concrete will be replaced above them. After repairing the bridge, permanent guardrails will be installed on the south ends with temporary guardrails on the north ends for two-way traffic.

Finally, during the last phase, traffic will be moved over to the newly-repaired south bridge using median crossovers. Once traffic has been rerouted, the last bridge will get repaired. 

The last step is to repaint the stripes on the repaired bridge, and U.S. 81 will be open for traffic. It is expected to be completed next spring.

We urge all motorists to slow down in work zones and give our crews room to work.