Use of accelerated bridge construction techniques is at the heart of a winning design proposal by Michael Baker International for two interchange upgrades on the I-90 highway in the US state of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has chosen the firm to develop preliminary engineering, environmental, geotechnical and final design plans for an 11km section of the I-90 in Erie County.
“Michael Baker experts will focus on the reconstruction of two interchanges along this section of I-90 that date to the late 1950s,” said Greg Cerminara, vice president in the transportation practice for Michael Baker’s Pittsburgh office. “Our solution raises the new interchange bridges that span over I-90 so they comply with current state law and can accommodate the significant truck traffic in the area.”
The firm’s approach proposes the use of accelerated bridge construction at the two interchanges. The technique will enable the current structures to remain open to traffic while crews build the new bridges alongside.
The plan also includes intersection improvements designed to promote efficient traffic flow and minimise delays for motorists.
The project is expected to be complete by 2020.
