14th Street Viaduct to Close This Week

The 14th Street Viaduct will be closed to two-way traffic later this week for the second time this month while contractor JH Reid ensures the placement and curing of concrete for the viaduct's north side deck with its south side deck, the city announced Monday.

The viaduct, deemed structurally deficient, antiquated and in need of rehabilitation by the county in 2010, will be closed from 9 a.m. either Thursday or Friday until 7 a.m. the following day during the construction process. The exact date has yet to be set.

The full closures are necessary to reduce the chance the concrete cracks from vibrations caused by vehicles passing on the existing bridge, the city said in a statement.

The sidewalk will remain open for pedestrians during the construction and a posted detour will direct drivers to alternate routes.