Preparatory work for the Talmadge Bridge cable maintenance project is set to start this week, and that means commuters can expect temporary lane closures.
Starting Sept. 10, the bridge will close a single lane in one direction of travel during weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those weekday closures will occur through Sept. 25, according to a Georgia Department of Transportation announcement.
At least one lane of traffic will remain open during these single-lane closures, the announcement said.
These initial lane closures will allow construction crews to conduct survey and inspection work related to the project. The work will be done ahead of full replacement of the cables
this year.
The upgraded cables are expected to increase the lifespan of the bridge and enhance the ability to maintain it via “more robust bridge inspections,” according to the project website. The project is also exploring raising the vertical clearance of the bridge to allow for large container ships to access the Port of Savannah.
The work aims to raise the bridge by shortening the cables in the new system, according to the project website.
GDOT’s maintenance project is being done concurrently with a study of future, long-term river crossing options that could include a new bridge or tunnel.
Evan Lasseter is the City of Savannah and Chatham County government reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at ELasseter@savannahnow.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Temporary Talmadge Bridge lane closures start this week
