The Tennessee Department of Transportation has closed the Henley Bridge for an estimated 24 to 30 months for an extensive bridge rehabilitation project.

TDOT contractor Britton Bridge, LLC will carefully dismantle the bridge down to the concrete arches which will be salvaged. An estimated 24,000 tons of concrete and 800 tons of steel will be recycled as crews remove it from the structure. The contractor will begin by milling the bridge deck. The asphalt will also be recycled.

Crews plan to work around the clock for the first week of the project to get an aggressive start. However, the schedule is eventually expected to become 10 to 12 hour days, six days a week.

TDOT staff will also closely monitor the official detour route from Chapman Highway to Moody Avenue to James White Parkway. The detour route became fully functional on Wednesday, December 29. TDOT will also work with the City of Knoxville to monitor alternate routes.

"We realize that this is a new traffic pattern and we evaluate signalization, pavement markings and signage to help the motorist to adjust to the detour around the Henley Bridge," TDOT Region One Director Steve Borden said. "We ask that drivers pay close attention to the signs and remain patient while travelers learn the new traffic pattern."

Meanwhile, detour maps and Henley brochures are available at the Henley Bridge Community Center at 220 East Blount Avenue, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. For more information and to watch construction on the project, you can visit www.tn.gov/henley or follow the project at twitter.com/Henley Bridge.