State Route 53 in Jackson County has reopened to traffic following an accelerated 50-day culvert replacement project that required a full closure of the roadway.
T-DOT Regional Communications Officer Rae Anne Bradley said the project involved replacing damaged infrastructure with two large 18 by 17 foot box sections. Bradley said the construction team utilized a precast system to ensure the installation could be completed more efficiently than traditional methods.
“I think overall this project showcases a really impressive level of coordination, of problem solving, and community engagement that was required to deliver a major repair project like this one of this culvert on State Route 53 in Jackson County on time,” Bradley said. “That’s just I can’t overstate how impressive that is and all of the coordination that had to take place both, you know, leading up to construction and through construction as well.”
Bradley said the team also constructed a new graded solid rock foundation and rebuilt the roadway base before placing asphalt and installing new guardrails.
“We understand that they do cause delays and cause drivers to have to change their normal routes that sometimes involve detours,” Bradley said. “Sometimes those detours can be lengthy and we recognize that.”
Bradley said the department coordinated with emergency services, schools, and the postal service to maintain temporary access for emergency vehicles throughout the 50-day window.
“We have T-DOT employees that are stationed all across our region and including in this specific area,” Bradley said. “So we have people that live and work in these areas right alongside the locals.”
Bradley said the closure lasted from March 4 through April 23 to allow crews to remove damaged infrastructure and build a diversion channel for Hurricane Creek.
Bradley said the logistical challenge of the project included delivering and staging more than 100 individual precast pieces for the new culvert boxes. Bradley said the full closure was necessary to accommodate the heavy equipment and materials needed to complete the work on an accelerated schedule.
“We really appreciate the public’s patience with us as we worked to get this project completed and the roadway back open and these improvements will help to ensure a safe and reliable roadway for decades to come,” Bradley said.
Bradley said while the road is open, motorists should expect to see crews performing final site cleanup and placing the top layer of asphalt ahead of the May 22 contract completion date.