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More Bonner Bridge sonar scanning scheduled for Sunday

Posted at 4:59 PM, Dec 13, 2013
and last updated 2013-12-14 07:16:34-05

Dare County, N.C. – On Sunday, crews are planning another sonar scan of the Bonner Bridge in Dare County.

Right now, officials say they are making progress collecting and analyzing the information they need to figure out the next steps they need to take to reopen the bridge.

Crews have looked at the data from the scans that were taken on Wednesday and the results of the first pile driving test conducted on the same day.

“The preliminary scans look positive, however, out of an abundance of caution, we want to do another scan to make sure the sand continues to stay in place before we make a decision on reopening the bridge,” said NCDOT Division 1 Engineer Jerry Jennings

On Friday, crews drove another test pile into the floor of the Oregon Inlet which helps them to determine how much weight the Bonner Bridge can hold and the composition of the sand where the erosion occurred.

This will help them to access the Bonner Bridge’s ability to handle traffic safely.

Next week if the weather permits, crews will start to install sandbags and A-Jacks that will help to support the bridge and to prevent further scouring.

Right now, crews are mobilizing and preparing the equipment and materials needed for the repair work which includes filling sandbags and putting the A-Jacks together.

Officials have activated an emergency route between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe. Click here to see the schedule.

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