The 80-year-old steel truss bridge on State Route 28 at the Copiah/Simpson County line, which was severely damaged by an over-height vehicle last year, is currently undergoing extensive repairs.
The incident caused significant damage to several sway bracings, compromising the load-bearing components of the bridge, which dates back to the 1940s. The complexity of the bridge's design has added to the difficulty and danger of the repair work, necessitating thorough preliminary engineering to prevent any structural failure during the process.
Despite these challenges, repair teams have made significant progress. Initial efforts have focused on shoring, which provides temporary support to the structure while damaged parts are removed and replaced. To date, five shoring points have been designed and approved, with the largest and most critical shore point being supported by a newly erected large steel tower.
The repair work aims to restore the bridge's integrity and ensure its safety for future use. The project is expected to be completed this spring. Further updates will be provided as the project progresses.
