Constructed in 1969 as twin continuous steel girder bridges, the Herring Avenue bridges spans 917 feet over the Brazos River. The Herring Bridge is an arterial road and an essential connection for vehicular traffic traveling between downtown Waco and East Waco. This bridge carries approximately 8,000 vehicles per day. In addition, this bridge is used recreationally by pedestrians to connect Cameron Park trails to the MLK walking paths. As part of the Bridge Program, City of Waco Public Works staff has begun to inspect The City's bridges, prioritize the needed improvements and develop plans for these improvements. The City of Waco bridge inspection of the Herring Bridge, supplemented by TxDOT bridge reports, identified structural concerns regarding the abutments, rocker assemblies and expansion joints. The rockers on the Herring bridge are moving separately and at different degrees with the largest rotation on the westbound bridge of approximately 17 degrees. Bridge rockers permit the natural expansion and contraction of a bridge due to thermal changes. Over rotation of the rocker bearings could cause the rockers to topple over, leading to a failure of the superstructure of the bridge. The debris currently built up around the rockers are increasing friction and trapping moisture which is contributing to faster degradation of the rockers. The 2020 TxDOT BRINSAP reports identify the southeast rockers and debris accumulation around the rockers as Urgent. An urgent classification requires action within 6 months. The proposed rehabilitation based on the Bridge Inspection Report and supported by City Staff will include replacement of the rocker bearing assemblies at each bridge abutment, replacement of expansion joints, deck resurfacing with a polymer overlay, bridge rail repairs, and bridge end protection systems. Preparation and implementation of a lifting plan will be required to support the bridge ends during the replacement of the bearings. The project is included in the city's 2023-2028 capital improvement plan (CIP). As of September 15, 2022, further details regarding design and construction have not been identified.*
*Project information has been obtained through a public capital improvement plan (CIP). A CIP is a financial schedule for short- and long-range projects which is updated regularly. Information listed in the CIP often evolves based on funding availability and the project details, including timeline and value, are subject to change. The content management team will continue to pursue additional details as they become available.
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