Recently recognized by American Council of Engineering Companies - Rhode Island (ACEC-RI) with a Gold Engineering Excellence Award, some of the project achievements included a 3D finite element analysis load model and testing to justify elimination of FRP beam strengthening, and an environmentally sensitive approach to replace the bridge bearings. The alternative bearings replacement approach eliminated in-river construction work, minimizing impacts to the Wood River. The project also satisfied RIDOT’s then-new Linear Stormwater Manual, designing a new sediment forebay and sand filter in full compliance with the new standards.
As the Lead Designer, VHB was responsible for bridge, traffic, roadway, and drainage design, and environmental permitting. Leveraging the benefits of the D/B delivery method, close collaboration between VHB and lead contractor, Aetna Bridge Company, resulted in solutions that expedited the construction phase and reduced project costs by eliminating unnecessary improvements.
