MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Cracks in the support beams holding up Interstate 20 are causing alarm among drivers.
Thousands travel along I-20 in Monroe every day, but have you ever wondered what's holding it up? One concerned viewer sent us pictures of cracks in support beams at the Jackson Street overpass.
The Monroe District Administrator of the Department of Transportation and Development says drivers are in no immediate danger.
"The interstate is very safe to travel. We have inspectors who that's all they do is inspect bridges and this bridge is inspected every two years," says Marshall Hill.
Despite cracks in beams and exposed rebar in some areas, the District had passing ratings when checked earlier this year.
"None of them are structural. You know, they're mostly cosmetic. And so, the bridge is really in good shape for it's age," says Hill.
The interstate overpasses in Monroe were built almost 50 years ago and regular maintenance has been done since the 1960s.
"Any concrete structure that handles 40,000 vehicles a day has some issues and we are addressing those. Luckily we have a project in March that will address most of these issues we're looking at," says Hill.
The Department of Transportation and Development says all of the underpasses in the Twin Cities are scheduled for maintenance in Spring of 2013.
