(Demo) Road and Bridges May 2010 : Page 29
The worst Nebraska +360 Nebraska has added 360 bridges to its deficient list since 2008. over eastbound I-94, was posted with a 30-ton weight restriction; the bridge that carries southbound U.S. 45 to the eastbound I-94 bridge was set at 35 tons; and the bridge that carries northbound U.S. 45 to the westbound I-94 bridge was marked at 40 tons. “We had some inspection reports in the summer of 2009 that were showing some deterioration of the three struc- tures,” Ryan Luck, southeast freeways construction director for WisDOT, told ROADS & BRIDGES. “We did an additional thorough inspection of those bridges, and after that review came to the conclusion that we needed to post those three bridges at reduced weights.” Enforcing the modified loads, how- ever, quickly spun out of control—even with the help of weigh-in-motion sen- sors. According to Luck, one in six trucks coming northbound on U.S. 45 were in violation. “We were seeing 200 violators a day.” So another inspection on the U.S. 45 northbound bridge was carried out, and additional cracking was discov- ered. On March 26, officials decided to close the structure. Fortunately, crews had been working on the replacements since late 2009, and thanks to a fast-track steel fabrication schedule, the U.S. 45 northbound bridge was only days away from its 8-in.-thick concrete deck pour. The pour was moved up to noon on March 27, and the bridge was back open to traffic a week later. “The story of how we began last fall and worked very hard to get the steel procured and overcame all of the mile- stones, that put us in the position to be CULVERT REHAB: Dig and replace has been replaced. G o ‘no dig’ to rehab your failing culverts with the Snap-Tite® HDPE patented joint and installation system. Pre-cut sections of machined pipe are snapped’ together and pushed through the length of deteriorated existing pipe, delivering better flow and a watertight seal at all joints. Rehab with Snap-Tite® faster, safer – and more economical. is BEFORE Make the Connection! For more information visit www.culvert-rehab.com or call us at 1-800-CULVERT Circle 769 ROADSBRIDGES.com 29 AFTER Snap-Tite® installation is easier – without specialized equipment, excavation or road closures. successful here,” said Luck. Milwaukee Constructors, a joint venture comprised of Edward Kraemer & Sons Inc., Lunda Construction Co. and Zenith Tech Inc., the same trio that built the Marquette Interchange nearby, decided to execute an alternative align- ment concept, which allowed crews to construct the new bridges right along- side the existing ones. The maneuver still proved to be difficult due to the tight surroundings and time of season. Fortunately a mild winter allowed crews to install steel H piles and pour the con- crete foundations and piers (4,000 psi strength, five- to seven-day cure time) in time for a March 1 steel delivery. Grade 50 steel I girders are being used, and the switch from concrete girders has opened up some short vertical clearances in the interchange and has reduced some of the span lengths. Traffic is expected to be allowed on all three new alignments by May 24, and the existing structures will be demol- ished by June 15. R&B FLASHLIGHT FREE UTILITY Compact 6” design, ideal for glove box, toolbox or around the home or office. Get yours by visiting www.culvert-rehab.com and click on FREE flashlight offer! While on-line, check out new Snap-Tite animations and installation video, and download the new Snap-Tite® Design Guide!
