KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A Knoxville bridge is getting earthquake protection as it is rebuilt.
The Henley Bridge over Fort Loudoun Lake was closed in January 2011 for a major reconstruction project. The decking and upper structure are being replaced on top of the existing piers and arches, which were sound.
The Knoxville News Sentinel reported part of the project includes dampers that work much like car shock absorbers to mitigate the shaking of an earthquake.
The dampers, called lock-up devices, will be installed on "super piers" that go down to bedrock on both ends of the bridge. Ten of the dampers will be installed each end of the 1,793-foot-long bridge.
The bridge project is scheduled to be completed in June 2013.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
