Project Overview
This new bridge replaces a historic two-span structure built in 1921 and repaired in 1987, whose aging superstructure had fallen into poor condition. Located on a main route into Bristol's city center, the bridge supports heavy, four-lane traffic and serves pedestrians and cyclists alike.
Preliminary studies revealed that the existing bridge required a full superstructure replacement and substantial substructure rehabilitation. To improve hydraulic efficiency, the team chose to remove the central pier and span the river with a single, sweeping span. Given the bridge's deteriorated condition and heavy traffic load, a full closure was implemented for construction, with a carefully managed, limited closure period to speed up completion.
The new bridge celebrates Bristol's heritage, featuring obelisks at each corner decorated with metal clockwork designs, paying homage to the city's clock-making legacy. Additionally, a designated "reflection" area includes etched metal sculptures of soldiers representing the main branches of the military, honoring the sacrifices of Bristol's men and women in the name of freedom and independence.
Precast Solution
Coordinating distinct timelines for pedestrian access and vehicle closure was a primary challenge for the design team and contractor. With construction kicking off in mid-June, the team faced a tight schedule to replace the old superstructure, upgrade the structure, and complete essential work to reopen the bridge for pedestrians.
Various options for superstructure replacement were explored, but due to the urgent need to restore traffic quickly, only precast concrete solutions were considered.
United Concrete Products, Inc. manufactured the precast, prestressed concrete box beams, selected for their ability to expedite construction and provide a ready-to-use surface upon installation. Produced off-site in a quality-controlled PCI-certified plant, these beams were installed in just two days once substructure work was complete, creating an immediate working surface and a temporary pedestrian sidewalk.
A key design objective was maximizing hydraulic capacity, requiring a single-span superstructure with the thinnest profile possible. The precast concrete box beams meet this goal, allowing the removal of the existing pier while achieving the slim profile needed for optimal hydraulic flow.
The use of precast concrete in this project significantly contributed to the successful and timely completion of the bridge rehabilitation. By leveraging precast technology, the project team was able to align with community goals, particularly the imperative to minimize disruptions to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
The speed of the precast concrete installation played a pivotal role in achieving these objectives, enabling the team to reopen the bridge in less than six months. This rapid turnaround not only reduced inconvenience to local residents and commuters but also enhanced overall public safety by limiting the duration of traffic closures.
This project stands as a testament to the advantages of precast concrete technology in modern construction, showcasing how it can fulfill community needs while maintaining a focus on efficiency and quality. |