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Interesting Bridges Across the U.S.

Source: Text and Pictures: U.S. Department of Transportation

Bardwell's Ferry Bridge
Conway and Shelburne, Massachusetts

Designer: STV/Seelye Stevenson Value & Knecht
Contractors: Koch Construction, Greenfield

Constructed in 1882, this is one of the oldest and longest span lenticular truss bridges remaining in the United States. When rehabilitation was planned, it was discovered that substantial repairs were needed. Discreet reinforcement of deteriorated truss members and floor beams, replacement of only those elements which could not be repaired, and repainting the superstructure in an historically appropriate deep red color were just a few of the sensitive treatments this bridge received.

Assateague Island Pedestrian Bridge
Worcester County, Maryland

Designer: Wallace, Montgomery and Associates / Whitney, Bailey, Cox, and Magnani - Joint Venture, Towson
Contractors: McLean Contracting, Glen Burnie

A safety study showed the best way to improve the safety and accessibility of pedestrians and bicyclists to Assateague Island National Seashore was to build a separate bridge parallel to the existing roadway structure. The design of the piling system minimized the disturbance to the natural environment of Sinepuxent Bay. The structure was also designed with an observation platform at the bridge's crest overlooking the boating channel. The platform also presents park users with a vista of the barrier island as well as an educational opportunity.
Five Mile Bridge - Old Stage Road over the Illinois and Michigan Canal
Morris, Illinois

Designer: Graef, Anhalt, Schloemer & Associates, Chicago, Illinois
Contractors: Belvidere Construction, Belvidere, Illinois

This innovative structure is the first timber arch bridge in Illinois. The arches, beams, and deck are pressure-treated, glue-laminated southern yellow pine, a material compatible with the rustic environment of this national heritage corridor. The innovative use of a steel rod cross-bracing system hidden just below the deck is used to carry lateral loads to the bridge's abutments.
The Grasshopper Bridge
Phoenix, Arizona

Designer: Cannon & Associates, Phoenix
Artist: Ed Carpenter, Portland Oregon

To ensure that children would use the bridge across a large wash, the city used an artist to develop an innovative, playful design that is integrated into the structural design. Because the children designed templates for desert insects, lizards and animals that were sandblasted and stained onto the concrete deck, the children use the bridge and treat it with respect.
Portland Avenue Bridge
Beloit, Wisconsin

Designer: Westbrook Associated Engineers, Spring Green, Wisconsin
Contractors: Zenith Tech, Inc. Waukesha, Wisconsin

The Portland Avenue Bridge is an example of incorporating design considerations with sensitivity to the existing site. Because it is located within Beloit's riverfront revitalization project aesthetics were extremely important. The ornamental railing, distinctive lights, limestone surfaces, exterior girder staining, and flared overlooks are noteworthy features of this attractive bridge. Endangered species and hazardous materials in the Rock River also required innovative design.
Second Blue Water Bridge
Port Huron, Michigan

Designer: Modjeski and Masters, Pennsylvania;
Buckland & Taylor, British Columbia
Contractors: Ellis-Don, PCL/MC Carthy A Joint Venture;
Walter Toebe Construction Co.

The original Blue Water Bridge was built in 1938 and is a highly visible historic landmark that carries I-94 across the St. Clair River to Canada. A comprehensive public participation program considered various alternatives and recommended a continuous tied arch design. The selection complemented the original bridge without compromising its historical integrity.
Wabasha Street Bridge
St. Paul, Minnesota

Designer: Figg Engineering Group, Tallahassee, Florida
Contractors: Lunda Construction Company, Black River Falls, Wisconsin

This cast-in-place post-tensioned segmental concrete structure is a signature bridge for the city of St. Paul and the centerpiece of the downtown redevelopment. It not only meets the desired aesthetic requirements but also demonstrated the adaptability of the concrete segmental construction method to large seasonal temperature variations. The project broke new ground by placing concrete during one of the worst Minnesota winters in modern times.
Main Street Bridge
Pen Yan, New York

Designer: Bergmann Associates, Rochester
Contractors: Crane Hogan Structural Steel Systems, Spencerport

This replacement bridge over the Keuka Lake outlet and pedestrian trail was designed to complement nearby historic buildings and sites. It also incorporated much of the stone facing material that was saved from the original bridge. The bridge spans a pedestrian trail that allows users to enjoy the beauty of the stone arches from a vantage point below the structure.
Columbus Front Door Project
Columbus, Indiana

Designer: J. Muller International, Chicago
Contractors: Milestone Contractors, Columbus

This innovative twin ribbed steel, cable-stayed arch bridge meets the design requirements for a clear span over the single point interchange. Clearly visible from both I-65 and State Route 46, it serves as a welcoming landmark for the entrance to the city of Columbus - long noted for its rich architectural heritage.
State Route 509 Relocation
Tacoma, Washington

Designer: Washington State Department of Transportation
Contractors: Max J. Kuney, Spokane;
Scarsella Brothers, Seattle;
Walter and Sci, Renton;
Ames Construction, Burnsville, Mn;
Tucci and Sons, Tacoma;
A.H.Powers, Seattle

Significant traffic delays on old State Route 509 through the port of Tacoma led to the design of this 4.5 mile divided highway. The new facility improved safety, traffic flow, and provided direct access to Interstate Route 705. The cable stayed bridge, a design requested by the city, minimized impact to a superfund cleanup site and gave the city a "landmark" structure.


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