The Puente Duarte suspension bridge has undergone a comprehensive programme of inspection, testing and assessment followed by the detailed design of major strengthening and repair works to bring the bridge up to the required standards. Significant corrosion problems were discovered which, combined with the need to strengthen many of the structural elements, have resulted in a major reconstruction project, which includes total replacement of the suspension system. Strengthening is being achieved by a combination of member replacement, steel plating, additional members, jacking loads into new members, and providing alternative load paths and restraints. The design work has been detailed to allow restricted traffic to continue to use the bridge throughout the reconstruction works, which will take some thirty months to complete.

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