BRIDGE RESCUE: Delaware DOT shuts down I-495 bridge

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has announced an immediate closure of Bridge 1-813 over the Christina River on I-495.
 

DelDOT closed the bridge because an inspection showed four of the 37 support columns are tilted as much as 4% out of vertical alignment. The bridge closed as of 6 p.m. June 2. This will cause a significant impact to the traveling public, and we are coordinating with local, state and federal partners to provide information as we receive it. Bridge engineers and a consultant were on the scene placing tilt sensors to monitor the bridge.
 

I-495 will be closed northbound at Terminal Avenue and message boards are in place on I-95 and S.R. 1 and Rte. 13. Local northbound traffic can stay on I-495 to Terminal Avenue. I-495 southbound will be closed at the Pennsylvania state line. Southbound traffic will be directed to take I-95 southbound.

Bridge 1-813 over the Christina is a concrete deck on steel beams, built in 1974. It was last inspected in October 2012, and bridges of this type are inspected every two years. This section of I-495 carries approximately 90,000 vehicles daily.

DelDOT received a report about an anomaly with a column late May 30. An inspection crew was sent out first thing on June 2. Additionally, a notification was received from a DelDOT equipment operator, who noticed a shifting of the concrete barrier on the road surface. After reviewing the data and pictures, a bridge engineer recommended closure until further investigation can be done.