The contractor will continue to install upper cross frames on the east containment pier platform (photo shown) through this week.
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) has negotiated an extension to the construction schedule for the North Hero – Grand Isle Drawbridge to address the unanticipated soil contamination that has been encountered while also ensuring a high-quality final product.
“We are working collaboratively with our bridge contractor, Cianbro, to ensure that the project proceeds in a safe and environmentally responsible manner,” said Chief Engineer Wayne Symonds. “At the same time, our goal, as always, is to build a quality bridge that will last for next 100 years.”
Originally, the bridge was scheduled to open to vehicle and pedestrian traffic in May 2021, but the Agency now anticipates that the traffic will be restored in the summer of 2022. Construction of the project will extend into the summer of 2023 as the temporary roadway and bridge are removed after traffic is moved to the new bridge. The main reason for the extension is that construction methods needed to be modified in order to prevent the spread of contamination. These changes combined with winter work restrictions and United States Coast Guard requirements to limit the encroachments to the navigable channel will result in an expected one-year delay in opening the new bridge.
Last summer, AOT detected contaminated soil at the construction site of the replacement drawbridge between Grand Isle and North Hero. The Agency had suspected the presence of lead around the bridge from previous paint systems. While the initial testing yielded positive results for lead it also unexpectedly detected polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and hexavalent chromium. Additional testing was conducted to ensure safety of the workers and the traveling public during construction and that the contaminated waste soil was disposed of properly.
The extended duration of the project is not expected to significantly affect traveler mobility as the temporary drawbridge will continue operation during this time.
Source: VTrans 1.10.2020