August 16, 2013
Innovation Implementation: Accelerated Bridge Construction
Accelerated bridge construction technologies are changing the way transportation agencies build bridges, enabling them to produce safer, more durable structures with longer service lives than conventional bridges. Every Day Counts is helping agencies mainstream three ABC technologies: slide-in bridge construction, prefabricated bridge elements and systems and geosynthetic reinforced soil integrated bridge systems.
Fundamentals of building a GRS-IBS bridge
Conventional bridge support technology can cause those bumps motorists can feel as they transition from bridge to roadway. Geosynthetic reinforced soil integrated bridge system technology not only eases the bumps, it radically cuts construction time and results in stronger, more durable and generally more ductile and flexible bridges than those built with traditional methods. GRS-IBS uses alternating layers of compacted granular fill material and geotextile reinforcement fabric sheets to support bridges and create a smooth and even approach.
The Federal Highway Administration offers a half-day workshop on GRS-IBS for state and local agencies. In the workshop, FHWA geotechnical experts Daniel Alzamora and Mike Adams explore GRS-IBS technology fundamentals, performance monitoring, GRS-IBS design, road-user perspectives and application of GRS-IBS around the United States. They outline technology advantages, such as reduced construction time and cost, flexible and easily modified design, and hassle-free construction. They also share case studies that illustrate the performance of structures over time. To request a workshop, contact Daniel Alzamora at 720-963-3214 or daniel.alzamora@dot.gov.
Massachusetts Breaks Ground on Bridge Project
Officials gathered on August 8 to break ground on the Whittier Bridge project on I-95 in Massachusetts. The $292 million project is one of five mega-projects in the Massachusetts Accelerated Bridge Program to repair or replace structurally deficient bridges. The design-build project will replace the 57-year-old six-lane bridge over the Merrimack River between Newburyport and Amesbury with an eight-lane structure with bicycle and pedestrian lanes. "Through innovations such as the Accelerated Bridge Program and design-build, the citizens of Massachusetts will experience the benefits much faster than in the past," FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez said.
Officials gathered on August 8 to break ground on the Whittier Bridge project on I-95 in Massachusetts. The $292 million project is one of five mega-projects in the Massachusetts Accelerated Bridge Program to repair or replace structurally deficient bridges. The design-build project will replace the 57-year-old six-lane bridge over the Merrimack River between Newburyport and Amesbury with an eight-lane structure with bicycle and pedestrian lanes. "Through innovations such as the Accelerated Bridge Program and design-build, the citizens of Massachusetts will experience the benefits much faster than in the past," FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez said.
States Celebrate Memorial Bridge Opening
After 18 months of expedited construction, officials celebrated the opening of the new Memorial Bridge between Portsmouth, N.H., and Kittery, Maine, to pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular traffic on August 8. FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez took part in the first walk across the bridge, praising the accomplishment and noting that the New Hampshire and Maine Departments of Transportation used design-build contracting to speed delivery of the $91 million project. A $20 million TIGER grant helped move the project forward.
After 18 months of expedited construction, officials celebrated the opening of the new Memorial Bridge between Portsmouth, N.H., and Kittery, Maine, to pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular traffic on August 8. FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez took part in the first walk across the bridge, praising the accomplishment and noting that the New Hampshire and Maine Departments of Transportation used design-build contracting to speed delivery of the $91 million project. A $20 million TIGER grant helped move the project forward.
Design-Build Team Chosen for New Mexico Interchange Project
The New Mexico Department of Transportation, city of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County and FHWA have announced the selection of a design-build team to build the $93 million Paseo Del Norte/I-25 interchange reconstruction project. The Kiewit New Mexico/Bohannan Huston Inc./Terracon team is expected to begin construction in October 2013 and finish the project in less than two years. The project is designed to relieve traffic congestion and improve safety and air quality.
