A main-artery bridge in Green Bay that has been closed since late September is expected to be open at some point in January 2014.  Wisconsin Department of Transportation officials say the bids they're soliciting for the Leo Frigo Memorial Bridge will include a clause that binds the process to a January 17 2014 open date.

The bridge, which spans the Fox River in Green Bay, has been closed since late September, after supportive underground steel structures, or pilings, became corroded and buckled under one of the piers, causing a 400-foot-long section of the bridge to sink two feet. Since then, it has drooped another half inch, and the state is monitoring the bridge for further movement.

Since the closing, experts have been investigating the ground near and below the pilings to determine the cause of the problem.  They have also worked to construct temporary footings to stem further sinking.

Sinking aside, WISDOT officials say that the bridge - which carries approximately 40,000 vehicles a day - is sound.  Recent inspections have found no problems and routine maintenance is carried out on the bridge.

 

 

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