Pratt Road Bridge Replacement

What was the Challenge?

The existing crossing on Pratt Road was constructed in 1971 and consisted of a two-span multiple steel girder superstructure with steel grate decking, supported on cast-in-place concrete gravity abutments and center pier. Section loss in the steel grate decking and in the steel girders resulted in a load posting, or weight restriction, of 19 tons. Documented scour and undermining of the pier was also a significant concern for this structure.

How did Barton & Loguidice provide a solution?

Replacement of the bridge was chosen, as it would provide a structurally sound, cost-effective, and low maintenance crossing. The new bridge features the longest span in the County and with the removal of the center pier and installation of deep foundations behind the old abutments, the structure is resistant to potential scour.

Why was the project a success?

An integral abutment bridge, like this one, is generally considered to be less expensive to construct, easier to maintain, and more economical to own over their lifespan, making them a sustainable option for replacement. Specific to this site, reuse of the existing abutments as cofferdams promoted a cost and energy savings by minimizing excavation and stone armoring in front of the new abutments. With the goal of adaptive reuse, Genesee County, with the cooperation of the contractor, salvaged the steel grate decking for potential future applications.