Loud boom was Jordan Bridge repair

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - If you live near the Jordan Bridge in Chesapeake, you may have heard a loud boom Saturday afternoon.

A project spokesperson says the noise was part of a planned c onstruction repair project following last month's accident involving fallen concrete slabs.

After the June 21st incident, contractors and engineers determined the temporary steel truss would need to be removed and replaced with a new truss before building the final four spans.

The removal, scheduled for Saturday afternoon, involved cutting the truss in pieces with charges. A spokesperson says the charges are what caused the loud noise around 3 p.m.

"This was a planned and purposeful operation in the best interest of a strong safe bridge," says Kevin Crum, General Manager of the South Norfolk Jordan Bridge.  "We want to thank the city of Chesapeake for their outstanding support in maximizing public safety during this operation.  We would like to especially thank the Police, Fire and Public Works Departments for their dedication and professionalism."

The new bridge, which stretches across the Elizabeth River between Chesapeake and Portsmouth, is still scheduled to open in August.