New bridge expected to be open by mid-summer

NOLAN COUNTY — The Texas Department of Transportation’s Abilene District will begin a project to replace the US 84 eastbound overpass at westbound I-20 in Nolan County the week of March 11. The overpass was severely damaged after a collision in late September and was demolished in November to allow for a replacement.

The new structure will be a one-span bridge with retaining walls, said Big Spring Area Engineer Jesse Mendoza, P.E., who is overseeing the project. The overpass is expected to be finished and open to traffic within four months.

The construction will require some daytime closures of the main lanes on westbound I-20 for setting beams and pouring the bridge deck. Drivers should follow detour signs and directions during these brief closures. US 84 traffic headed to eastbound I-20 should continue to follow the detour that has been in place for several months.

J.H. Strain and Sons, Inc. of Tye will complete the project for about $1.6 million.