I-80 Bridge Preservation Project – 9 Bridges (Groups 1 and 2)

SAI was responsible for the preliminary engineering, final design, shop drawing review, and consultation during construction for bridge preservations including the retrofitting/replacement of rocker bearings, structural repairs/strengthening, substructure repairs, deck joint replacements, and LMC overlays on nine bridges that carry I-80 in Clarion and Jefferson Counties, Pennsylvania.

Physical features:

  • Bridges included: Emlenton Bridge, Beaver Creek EB and WB, Canoe Creek EB and WB, Deer Creek, Clarion River, and North Fork EB and WB.
  • Nine bridges varying in length from 392′ to 1669′ with 4 to 8 spans (total of 57 spans) including deck trusses, multi-girder, and stringer/girder/floorbeam bridges over rivers, railroads, and natural valleys.
  • Minimal approach work was involved on the 4-lane interstate highway with an ADT of 27,000.

Other features:

  • In-depth inspections, finite element analysis, non-destructive testing, structural analysis and load rating.
  • Jacking bridge under full dead-load using 15 minute rolling closures for bearing replacements.
  • All repairs were designed to be performed within the existing right-of-way.
  • Significant structural analysis to provide a method for PennDOT to rate bridge with construction loadings.
  • Used 3D analysis to prevent the need for expensive bridge strengthening.
  • LMC overlays were used to extend deck life to the next full rehabilitation.
  • Traffic maintained during construction via long-term single lane closures of I-80.

Client Owner: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, District 10-0
Completion: 2014
Construction Cost: $49,400,000