OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — HNTB has been honored with the American Council of Engineering Companies of Oklahoma (ACEC Oklahoma) Grand Conceptor Award for its innovative engineering work on the I-35 Haunched Slab Bridge Raises project in Kay County, Oklahoma.

HNTB partnered with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) to raise eight county road bridges over I-35 to meet updated vertical clearance requirements to accommodate a 10-inch pavement overlay under the bridges. HNTB developed a unique solution to elevate continuous haunched slab bridges, a bridge type not typically considered for raising. This approach balanced cost savings, safety, and efficient construction methods.

“We are honored to receive the ACEC Oklahoma Grand Conceptor Award for the I-35 Haunched Slab Bridge Raises project,” said Marcus Geist, Oklahoma Practice Leader and Associate Vice President at HNTB. “This project leveraged innovative engineering solutions that prioritize safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. We are proud to have partnered with ODOT to deliver a project that will benefit the traveling public for years to come.”

The project achieved significant cost savings by opting to raise the 1950s bridges rather than rebuilding them and reconstructing the I-35 pavement below. Additionally, safety was a paramount consideration in the project. By attaching falsework to the existing piers, the team maintained horizontal clearance and eliminated the need for bulky falsework towers, allowing traffic to flow safely under the bridges. This innovative approach enhanced safety for both contractors and motorists.