Hernando de Soto Bridge Inspection

Back in March I was part of the Hernando de Soto Bridge inspection, where we were able to inspect the entire structure without using lift equipment. We climbed and used rope access to inspect the bridge, minimizing traffic control and saving the state lots of money.

The Hernando de Soto Bridge is a through arch bridge carrying Interstate 40 across the Mississippi River between West Memphis, Arkansas and Memphis, Tennessee. Memphians also call the bridge the "New Bridge",[1] as it is newer than the Memphis & Arkansas Bridge (carrying Interstate 55) downstream, and the "M Bridge", due to its distinctive shape. It is of similar construction to the Sherman Minton Bridge between Louisville, Kentucky and New Albany, Indiana.

At night, the bridge is illuminated by 200 sodium vapor lights along its "M" shape structure. The bridge was first lit on September 5, 1986, after $373,000 of private funds had been raised to fund the cost and installation of the lights. Due to some river traffic having issues with the lights at night reflecting on the water, the city installed a remote switch to toggle the lights on and off briefly while the vessel passes under the bridge.[3] During the 2011 Mississippi River floods, the bridge became dark for about 2 months because the transformers that supply the electricity for the lights were removed to prevent damage to them by flood waters. The bridge was re-lit in a ceremony which occurred on June 21, 2011. 

For our inspection we had to turn the lights off each day and turn them back on after we were finished.

The weather varied from 80F sunny to 34F with sleet. With varying weather we had to pay close attention to the radar and incorporate it into our rescue plan.

One of the days the Memphis Fire Departement came out to see how we can access the bridge by rope access. We were able to answer questions they had and they were able to talk to us about their rescue capabilities.