“By designing the bridge to accommodate ABC delivery, we achieved the dual objective of delivering a truly unique bridge while aligning with TxDOT’s mission to minimize closures and maintain highway mobility,” said Steve Knobbe, PE, HNTB North Texas Office Leader and Senior Vice President.
The 800,000-pound bridge was initially constructed off-site and then moved into position overnight using self-propelled modular transporters and a special system of hydraulic jacks and steel gantries. This process involved minimal disruption to highway traffic, ensuring that U.S. 75 was never entirely closed to travelers. By the afternoon, the bridge was successfully placed, and all U.S. 75 lanes were reopened.
“The Northaven Trail Pedestrian Bridge represents a vital mobility solution that will greatly enrich the Dallas community for generations,” said Nathan Petter, PE, TxDOT Dallas County Area Engineer. “HNTB’s innovative network tied arch design not only exhibits remarkable efficiency but has also yielded a signature bridge, resembling a bicycle wheel, that the entire community can enjoy.”
The pedestrian bridge spans across the eight-lane U.S. 75 and rests between two highly used systems of local walking/biking trails. Nearly half a mile in length, the structure reduces barriers to alternative methods of transportation and offers a safe, new connection to regional recreational activities.
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“What distinguishes this bridge is its S-curved deck and skewed supports, making it the only known network-tied arch bridge with these distinctive features,” said Kira Larson, PE, HNTB Project Manager, Construction Phase Services. “It stands as an undeniable work of structural art, setting an extraordinary precedent for sophisticated design within the industry.”
HNTB served as the engineer-of-record and construction phase services provider on the project, which is expected to be fully open to the public later this fall.
