Bids close on Eighth Street Viaduct

Eighth Street Viaduct in the foreground

Bidding for the reconstruction of the Eighth Street Viaduct concluded yesterday at noon.

The $20-$25 million project will rebuild much of the superstructure and will result in a new roadway with a width of 70 feet - including four vehicular lanes, two bike lanes, and six-foot sidewalks on each side.

Construction will be done in two phases:

* A complete replacement of the Eighth Street Approach Bridge and the Burns Street ramp as well as the replacement of 22 piers, which will require closure of the entire viaduct; then,
* On the viaduct structure, rehabilitation and replacement of the concrete deck and roadbed, and the installation of new sidewalks, railing and lighting.

Work will likely begin this spring and should take about two years to complete.

The current viaduct, which opened in 1928, is 2,730 feet in length and is composed of 79 reinforced concrete and concrete-encased steel spans.*

During its last inspection, the Hamilton County Engineers' Office gave the viaduct a rating of 3 out of a possible 10, or "serious" condition.

Funding for the project comes from federal, state, and county highway sources as well as City capital funds.

* The entire length of the project site is 3,500 feet.