Projects - Bridges

I-80 2300 East Bridge

The Ralph L Wadsworth Construction Design-Build Team provided construction and design services for the replacement of the existing three lane eastbound and westbound bridges over 2300 East. A closure time of 18 hours was allowed in each direction to completely remove and replace the new structures before restoring traffic to full service.

This project was an accelerated bridge construction (ABC) project. Each bridge was constructed adjacent to the existing bridge on elevated shoring towers; the substructure being constructed underneath the existing structures low enough to act as permanent slide guides for the superstructure. The superstructure was then slid into place during the traffic closure once the existing structure was removed.

Project challenges involved a confinement of buildable space on the north side of the westbound structure where the grade sloped off as much as 70 feet in elevation. This side also provided ramp access to I-215 requiring the ramp to remain open during construction. In order to achieve this, the westbound superstructure had to be constructed 5 feet higher in elevation and then jacked down prior to being slid into place.

The key design elements included: post tensioned abutments, lightweight concrete, one-sided abutment construction and innovative sliding techniques that included connecting the entire approach slabs to the structure allowing them to be slid with the bridge structure. These techniques contributed to the successful early completion of the project.

Project Manager: Wayne Bowden

Project Superintendent: Alan

I-80 Two Bridges Echo

Michael Baker Jr., Inc. teamed with Ralph L Wadsworth Construction Company on the $3.1M design-build project near Echo, Utah.

The project included the design and construction of two single-span bridges on I-80 over Echo Dam Road, bridge approaches and roadway improvements for safety and drainage. The bridges were constructed using accelerated bridge construction (ABC) methods. The schedule for this project was very aggressive. The bridges were designed and constructed in 135 days from the notice to proceed. Each bridge and its approach slabs were constructed adjacent to the existing bridge on temporary abutments. At the same time, new abutments were constructed beneath the existing bridges. Each bridge was demolished and the new structures were slid into final position on new abutments; each during a single seven-hour night-time closure of I-80.

Project Manager: Wayne Bowden

Project Superintendent: Alan

Payson Bridge Deck Replacements and Ramp Widening

On April 15, 2009 RLW was awarded the Payson Project. The project is a Design-Build and consists of the replacement of six dilapidated bridge decks, structural concrete rehabilitation work and a ramp widening with intersection improvements. The bridge decks are located in Payson, UT at Main Street, 400 north, and Utah Avenue. The work consists of removing the existing decks carefully to prevent damage to the existing girders and replace them with precast deck panels and a polymer overlay. The ramp widening is at the southbound off-ramp from I-15 to Payson Main St. which will be widened to accommodate turn lanes. A new signal will also be installed. The project is very fast-paced with stringent guidelines for traffic impacts. UDOT has requested there be no south bound traffic impacts on Fridays from 2 to 9 pm. Huge incentives and disincentives are tied to this requirement.

The project management team consists of the following: Project Manager: Kyle Leishman Project Superintendant: Scott Wiscombe

Baker Engineering will be providing the design for the project.

Blazer Highway Bridge over the Portneuf River

In November 2008 RLW was awarded the Blazer Highway Bridge over the Portneuf River. The bridge is about one mile north of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. The project consists replacing an old wood bridge and reconstruction of about 900’ of roadway. The new bridge will be 80’ long and is a concrete bulb tee girder structure set on cast in place abutments. The project will be constructed in two phases using flagging operations and temporary traffic signals to allow both directions of traffic to run on one lane during construction. The project is bordered on all sides by wetlands.

Project Manager: Kyle Leishman

Project Superintendant: James Owen

Project Start: July 2009

Project Finish: October 2009

SR-89 Pleasant Grove

The US-89 State Street Railroad Bridge Project in Pleasant Grove will solve a long term bottleneck problem in the area. The project consists of constructing a new bridge that will carry US-89 (State Street) traffic over the Provo Industrial Lead Railroad Track. The new bridge will utilize Precast Deck Panels, an Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) technique, which will help shorten the project duration. We will also install 7,500 ft of pipe, 300,000 tons of dirt, 48,000 sq ft of MSE Retaining Walls, and relocate 1900 ft of railroad track.

3300 South Over I-215 East - 2008

In 2008, Wadsworth will construct a new bridge structure at 3300 south over I-215 due to structural deficiencies of the old bridge. Similar to the 4500 SouthBridge over I-215 bridge replacement, a 2.5-million pound pre-constructed bridge structure will be moved into place over one weekend. The transporting of the massive structure requires the use of Self Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs), which are multiple axle systems with motors on each axle. Like most of Wadsworth’s structures, thenew bridge walls will feature an aesthetic package that will include full-height sculpted murals with mountain and wild life themes that will provide a context sensitive tie-in with the surrounding environment. Please see ENR (Engineering News-Record) article.

http://enr.construction.com/news/transportation/archives/080903a.asp

I-215 4500 South - 2007

The purpose of this project was to replace the aging and substandard 4500 SouthBridge over I-215 due to structural deficiencies, using special Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) cutting-edge practices and techniques. The ABC technique started with the prefabrication of a new bridge that was adjacent to the old structure. After the removal of the existing bridge, Self Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs), which are multiple axle systems with motors on each axle, moved the new 3-million pound bridge into place. The 175 foot single span structure replaced the existing 4-span structure, thereby eliminating the need for the three piers and slope protection. The new bridge abutment wall aesthetic package included full-height sculpted murals with mountain themes that provided a context sensitive tie-in with the Olympus Cove backdrop and surrounding environment. Using ABC, the removal of the old bridge and placement of the new bridge was completed within a 52 hour period, dramatically decreasing freeway traffic interruptions which usually last for months using more traditional bridge construction methods.

SR - 191 Colorado River - 2007

Moab’s color country now features a new structure allowing pedestrians and recreational users to safely cross over the majestic Colorado River. This structure which was completed in 2008 consists of a three-span steel pedestrian bridge. Crews had to construct a temporary working platform to install the two columns and the three spans in the river. All went as planned and actually finished ahead of schedule. The bridge is constructed of weather-resistant steel and a concrete riding surface which reduces maintenance but which preserves the original beauty of the structure.

Shivwits Bridge - 2005

This emergency, fast-track design-build project consisted of removing and replacing three existing, single-span bridges over the Moody and Santa Clara rivers that were damaged during the 2005 floods. The project included bridge and roadway design, bridge scour analysis, contractor-furnished quality control, bridge demolition, pile driving, structural concrete, drainage improvements, traffic control, utility relocation, roadway reconstruction, guardrail, fencing, riprap, and asphalt pavement. The new bridges are single span, composite pre-cast concrete girder structures supported by H-piles. Site conditions included severely damaged bridges on the banks of remote sections of the Moody and Santa Clara rivers. The existing bridge abutments were undermined due to severe scouring during the flooding. Access was minimal due to the destruction of the bridges and the severely damaged river channels.

Big Cottonwood Canyon Bridge - 2005

RLW and Baker teamed up on this design-build project to construct two reinforced concrete box girder bridges in an environmentally sensitive area. This project was the result of a new roadway that required two bridges to preserve existing grades and vegetation. The project entailed the design and construction of a 450-foot-long, 5-span curved bridge and another 150-foot-long, two-span curved bridge. Both bridges have a centerline radius of 76 feet and are on a 12 percent grade. Baker supplied plans and specifications and evaluated construction alternatives to avoid impacting a conservation easement. Baker also provided 4-D visual simulations, drive through simulations, fly around simulations, and photo match renderings to evaluate aesthetic treatments. RLW overcame the challenge of constructing a cast-in-place structure on an approximate 30% slope grade, while staying within the adjacent conservation easement. Both bridges were built throughout severe winter conditions.

SR-189 Provo Canyon - 2004

The project features one of the largest steel girder structures in Utah. The girders are fabricated with special “Corten” steel. This type of steel provides a natural rust colored finish, providing weather resistance as well as contrast to the natural concrete. The bridge consists of a 3-span structure that towers in front of the Deer Creek dam/spillway and is the final stage of multiple design features that provides a safer travel experience - adjacent to the recently completed Deer Creek dam seismic improvement project.

Santaquin Railroad Crossing -2004

Vice President Ty Wadsworth served as the Project Manager for this privately owned Design Build Project. His construction crew worked to create and build the new Bridge in the “out skirts” of Santaquin, Utah for the new Summit Ridge subdivision. The bridge allows traffic to flow steadily over the railroad tracks. This design build project also aesthetically incorporates the subdivision’s name engraved in the concrete artwork.

Traverse Mountain Bridge - 2004

This privately owned Design-Build Project was jointly managed by Project Manager Gaylen Stewart and Vice President Con Wadsworth. RLWs Crew worked to create and build this new Bridge just outside of Lehi, Utah for the new Traverse Mountain Planned Community. The community includes many new retail stores such as the Cabela’s sporting goods chain. The bridge allows the increasing traffic to flow steadily under the railroad tracks.