FRACTURE CRITICAL: County looks to begin another repair project

November 19, 2012

COLUMBIA CITY — Every two years, Whitley County bridges are inspected to ensure the existing structures are safe for use.

Currently, the county is working to hand over the plans for a bridge repair project located at CR 600 N. west of 450 E.

“It’s the only one that we have left on the list that’s fracture-critical,” said Whitley County Engineer Brandon Forrester.

According to Forrester, the bridge is 23 and a half feet in length and width and nearly 40 years old.

Forrester said most bridges are supported by a main beam ­— if that beam were to fail, the whole bridge could crumble.

According to Forrester, workers attempted to fix the bridge in the past by building a wall to protect the bottom of the embankment. But ice and water caused the wall to crack and fail — creating the need for this year’s repair project.

The cost for the project will be known when plans are finalized.

He said work will begin on the bridge when the current repair project on CR 700 E. is completed — within the next two months.

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