Project: Leconte Street Bridge
Location: Gatlinburg, TN
Gen. Contractor: Charles Blalock and Sons, Inc.
Project Description:
Connecting the east and west banks of the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River in Gatlinburg, the Leconte Street bridge is a small but important span in downtown Gatlinburg. This is especially true during winter months since the bridge is the only link between the overflow parking lots and the aerial tram dock for Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort.
In 2009, TDOT awarded a contract to Charles Blalock and Sons to construct a concrete box beam bridge to replace the existing Leconte Street bridge. The contract was funded in part by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The new structure was completed in two halves, allowing one-lane traffic to continue using the bridge during construction. To match the aesthetics of the surrounding area, the bridge abutments, piers, and handrail columns were all covered with natural stone similar to those found along the adjacent riverbank. In addition, both sides of the bridge include protected sidewalks to accommodate foot traffic between the parking lots and downtown. The bridge was completed in the fall of 2010.
