Rapid, Successful, Unique Bridge Design Completed in just 26 Days

Rapid, Successful, Unique Bridge Design Completed in just 26 Days

A bridge construction project that’s done in under 30 days – it’s almost unheard of, but in Muskingum County, Ohio, that’s exactly what happened. A bridge required replacement and initial estimates were that construction of the new would take more than 30 days. That work was completed by U.S. Bridge in just 26 days using steel tub girders with an SPS deck.

Quality Work Quickly

The steel tub girders paired with an SPS deck, the first of this kind in the country, is designed to last for 100 years.  As a result of its modular design, sections weighing approximately 31 tons, were fabricated and placed in just 10 minutes each. This modular structure was fabricated off-site thereby enabling the entire bridge to be set in 20 minutes rather than several weeks.

“As a steel bridge manufacturer and a general contractor, we recognize and appreciate accelerated bridge construction and so do our customers. On this project, the design of the girders paired with the SPS deck, permitted our crews to completely replace the old structure in record time. From bridge and abutment demolition to new abutments and superstructure, this bridge was open to traffic in 26 days. Remarkable.”

– Dan Rogovin, President and CEO, US Bridge

SPS Bridge is Built to Last

This bridge design is simpler, more lightweight and more durable than its predecessor, while still capable of withstanding repetitive traffic. It is the hope of U.S. Bridge and other contractors that the completion of this bridge will lead to a higher proliferation of lighter weight bridges with quicker installation times. This will help to address the U.S.’s aging bridge inventory which has reached a critical level and needs to be addressed today.

Adaptive Materials for the Environment

The slim design of this bridge type is advantageous for this area of Ohio, which is known for its steep ravines and low-lying areas. The combination of topographical features leads to changing water levels. The water typically has low-acidic PH levels which is more likely to erode concrete beams. Therefore, the steel bridge is a terrific alternative. Additionally, bridge components were hot-dipped galvanized to protect them from deicing solutions that could cause premature corrosion.

Built for the Future

Having passed three million simulated tests, the tub girder design, paired with the SPS deck, is designed to last. For more information about the SPS bridge or to speak to a U.S. Bridge specialist, click here.