The reconstruction of the aging bridge over Kenilworth Avenue at Eastern Avenue, NE along the busy interstate traffic corridor, involved demolition of the old structure; raising the clearance height of the bridge deck by 2 feet, reconstructing existing abutments and retaining wall; fabricating and installing prefabricated concrete and steel piers units, constructing pier foundations, barriers and medians; rehabilitating the pumping stations at each end of the bridge along Eastern Avenue to relieve drainage and flooding problems and modified the existing storm drainage system. Also involved in the process was construction of new service ramps and approaches; installing conduits, cabling, streetlights and under bridge lighting; signage and landscaping. This was all completed while managing and maintaining vehicular traffic on Kenilworth Avenue.

 

Project Significance

The project participated in the nationally recognized Highways for Life program that involves accelerated bridge construction. By using innovative construction methods including pre-casting of large elements of the bridge, the bridge span along Eastern Avenue was closed to traffic for only 320 days. The infrastructure project was safety completed in 10 months — ahead of schedule in a high-traffic urban environment.