The Kansas Department of Transportation and the City of Atchison, have closed the U Street bridge over U.S. 73 after a hole was discovered in the bridge deck on Aug. 18. Upon inspection, it has been determined that the condition of the bridge is beyond repair and the structure will be closed permanently.
The decision to close the bridge follows a mutual understanding previously made between KDOT and the City that additional efforts to repair or replace the bridge would not be made, and that KDOT would decommission the bridge once it was deemed unusable. Factors considered in the decision include the age and type of the structure, its advanced deterioration, low traffic volume and high cost of replacement. The bridge is not part of an emergency route.
Barricades have been placed at the entrances, and KDOT will begin planning the complete removal of the bridge.
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