photo by: Kristi R. Garabrandt

The Jennings Randolph Bridge connecting East Liverpool to Chester reopened Monday, almost a month after its sudden closure due to structural damage.

CHESTER — The Jennings Randolph Bridge reopened to traffic Monday afternoon, according to the West Virginia Division of Highways.

The bridge was closed on Dec. 11, after a federally mandated inspection discovered cracking in two welds on the steel bridge structure. The cracks were not visible to the naked eye, but the WVDOH, in an abundance of caution, decided to close the bridge while repairs were completed.

All four lanes were opened, although officials noted intermittent closures of the outside lanes will be required at times as additional repairs are completed.

The Jennings Randolph Bridge was built in 1977 using T-1 steel. At the time, welded T-1 steel was common in bridge construction, but it was later discovered that cracks could develop in the welds joining the beams.

Special testing on bridges made with T-1 steel has since been conducted on bridges all over the United States. It was during one of those tests that a few cracks were identified in welds on the Jennings Randolph Bridge.

Bridge inspection consultant Modjeski & Masters identified 18 additional internal defects on welds on the bridge which have since been repaired.