INDIAN RIVER, Del.– The Delaware Department of Transportation is alerting motorists that the removal of the old Indian River Inlet Bridge and surrounding abutments is scheduled to occur this summer.
According to DelDOT, the entire process is expected to take 8-10 weeks and has already begun. Initially, the removal consists of sawcutting and removing the bridge railing and deck. DelDOT said bridge beams and the concrete piers will be removed later this summer using a mechanical technique that is considered both environmentally sensitive and minimally impactive to the surroundings. Due to environmental issues, DelDOT said explosives will not be used to remove the old bridge structure.
DelDOT said that throughout the demolition, the contractor will be taking steps to maintain the safety of the traveling public, pedestrians and motorists while continuing to maintain access to the park facilities and the waterways.
Mariners are advised that various stages of the demolition work may require the closure of a portion of the navigable channel under the bridge. DelDOT said that when necessary, the contractor will have watercraft in the waterway to guide boaters to safe corridors through the channel. Contractor watercraft and personnel will be monitoring marine channels 13 and 16 for further assistance.
Mariners are requested to follow the instructions of contractor watercraft when present. The existing vertical clearance under the bridge and a portion of the inlet waterway will be maintained throughout the demolition process, according to DelDOT.
The department noted that to maintain pedestrian access, the contractor has installed protective shielding over the pathways on the north and south sides of the inlet channel under the bridge. Pedestrians walking through shielded areas are requested not to stop or stand under the protective shielding for prolonged periods. DelDOT is also requesting pedestrians to obey the instructions of construction personnel when present.
DelDOT said bridge demolition activities will be occurring on the old bridge, therefore, traffic on the new bridge will not be impacted by these activities.
Demolition working hours will be Monday through Saturday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Refer to www.irib.deldot.gov and the U.S. Coast Guard's Notice to Mariners for regular updates.
Additional information is available on DelDOT's website at www.DelDOT.gov.
