Showing posts with label rfWeeksIII. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rfWeeksIII. Show all posts

Monday, March 17, 2025

1975,2002 I-474 Shade-Lohman Bridge over Illinois River south of Peoria, IL

(Archived Bridge HunterBridge Hunter, no Historic Bridges; John A. Weeks IIISatellite

The bridge is at Bartonville, IL but I used "Peoria" in the title so that it would be included in a search for Peoria bridges across the Illinois River.

JohnWeeks
"Prior to the upgrade of I-74 through downtown Peoria in 2004 to 2007, trucks were requested to stay off of I-74 and use the I-474 bypass instead. The I-474 bridge was rehabilitated in a project that completed in 2002. The floor deck systems on both bridges experienced cracking problems and had to be replaced. In addition, many of the rivets used on the bridge had to be replaced."
The westbound bridge was 4' (1.2m) longer than the 3,421' (1043m) eastbound bridge. Both had a main span of an estimated 543' (166m). The navigation channel is 500' (152m) wide with a clearance of 65' (20m).
The namesakes were politicians.

Street View, Aug 2024

Daniel Wilson posted

IDOT via BridgeHunter

Jack Tanner Tower posted via Dennis DeBruler

Monday, November 25, 2024

1884,1890-1965+1965,2012 Washington Avenue Bridges over Mississippi River in Minneapolis, MN

1965,2012: (Archived Bridge Hunter; John A. Weeks IIISatellite)

"The first bridge at this location was built in 1884. The 1884 structure was reconstructed in 1890 to accommodate streetcars. Streetcar service ended in 1952, and the bridge was determined to be obsolete shortly after that time and was dismantled in 1965." [JohnWeeks]
The bridge was strengthened so that light rail could be added in 2012.
 
Robert Swann commented on a post
Washington Avenue Bridge, about 1885.

Photo via umn
1940

JohnWeeks
This photo "is from a historic display located on the University of Minnesota campus. It shows the original Washington Avenue Bridge circa 1905. This iron truss bridge was in place from 1884 to 1965."
[Note the number of people that used to live on the Bohemian Flats flood plain.]


Photo via umn
Campus Views. View from SW showing Washington Ave Bridge under construction, 1965
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1965 Bridge


Street View, Sep 2013

The upper deck is dedicated to pedestrian traffic because the University of Minnesota built an expansion of the campus on the west bank of the Mississippi River. Because the winters get cold in Minnesota, the students have the option of an enclosed walkway. Unfortunately, according to the Google search results, this is a popular suicide bridge.
Street View, Sep 2014

Street View, Oct 2023

The traffic capacity was reduced by half to add the light rail.
Street View, Oct 2008

"So, when is a bridge a girder--and a steel stringer--and a deck truss--all in one? This bridge started out in 1965 as a plain deck girder bridge and remained as such until 2010, when a massive project began to upgrade the bridge to carry light-rail traffic. The plan was to add stringers to increase the load-carrying capability, but the original stucture's rigid cross-members didn't allow it. The design engineers came up with a very creative and innovative way to address this--instead of solid stringers, trusses were designed and installed, one member at a time, to fit around the existing sway bracing without having to remove any of it! And so, as a result, the main spans still retain their full original girder system, with multiple 'stringer-trusses' to support the light rail vehicles." [BridgeHunter]

This view caught the construction after the trusses had been added to the east lanes, but before they were added to the west lanes. So we get a good before-and-after view of the stringers. And since the Warren trusses had not been painted, we can easily see the trusses.
Street View, Jun 2011

MNDOT
"Design and construction of a double-deck, welded, haunched, continuous plate-girder bridge using A441 high-strength steel."
"This bridge was one of the first in the nation to use A441 high-strength, low-alloy steel in its superstructure, which allowed for the structural connections to be welded rather than riveted."

History’s Mirror posted
The Washington Avenue Bridge under construction in 1965 marked a significant shift in Minneapolis infrastructure, designed to link the East and West Bank campuses of the University of Minnesota across the Mississippi River. As steel beams and concrete piers rose over the water, the bridge's distinctive double-deck structure began to take shape—upper deck for pedestrians and bicycles, lower deck for vehicles and transit. Cranes hovered over the river while workers in hard hats maneuvered rebar and poured concrete, braving Midwest weather to stay on schedule. Barges floated nearby carrying supplies, and scaffolding clung to the bridge’s skeletal form. From the riverbanks, curious onlookers watched as the city expanded its reach. More than a functional crossing, the bridge was an architectural response to the university’s growing student body and the city’s evolving transportation needs. When completed, it would become a defining feature of Minneapolis, offering views of the skyline and a vital connection between academic and civic life.


Monday, November 18, 2024

1989,2008 I-295 Dames Point Bridge over St. Johns in Jacksonville, FL

(Archived Bridge Hunter; John A. Weeks IIISatellite, 1,252 photos) Napoleon Bonaparte Broward Bridge

This 10,646' (3.2km, 2 mile) bridge has a main span of 1,300' (396m).

Street View, Aug 2019

Patrick Martin, Oct 2024

There are a lot of street views of this bridge, and they were all practically empty of vehicles. It appears that 4 lanes would have been enough. Note the little black cables tying the big white cables together. I wonder if the bridge was built with them or if they were added later to correct a problem such as cable vibration.
Street View, Jul 2018

Americo fan posted eight photos with the comment:
The Dames Point Bridge, officially known as the Napoleon Bonaparte Broward Bridge, is a prominent cable-stayed bridge located in Jacksonville, Florida.
 Spanning the St. Johns River, it connects the Arlington area with the Westside of the city. Opened to traffic in 1989, the bridge is named after the nearby Dames Point, a historic site significant to the region’s maritime history.
With a main span of 1,600 feet, the Dames Point Bridge is one of the longest cable-stayed spans in the United States. Its design features striking towers that rise to 175 feet [282m], supporting a network of cables that hold the roadway aloft. 
The bridge not only serves as a critical transportation link, facilitating the movement of vehicles across the river, but it also enhances the city’s skyline with its modern architectural aesthetic.
The bridge accommodates both vehicular traffic and pedestrians, with dedicated walkways that allow for scenic views of the river and the surrounding landscape. Its elevated structure provides a vantage point for observing local wildlife and the bustling activities along the St. Johns River.
In addition to its functional role, the Dames Point Bridge is a symbol of Jacksonville’s growth and development. It plays a crucial part in the city’s economy, linking neighborhoods and enabling commerce. 
The bridge is also significant for its engineering, showcasing advancements in bridge design and construction.
Overall, the Dames Point Bridge stands as a testament to Jacksonville’s infrastructure development, embodying both practicality and visual appeal, while serving as a vital artery in the city’s transportation network. 
Its prominence in the area makes it an essential landmark for residents and visitors alike.
Jon Cook: Pedestrian traffic not allowed.
Scott Hamilton: It connects the Northside with the Arlington area. Not the westside....
[Another AI gone bad? Note that Bridge Hunter specifies a span length of 1,300' instead of 1,600'.
Britannica agrees with the 1,300' figure. In fact, 1,600' would make it the longest span in the US instead of the third longest. The side spans are 660' (200m).
And 175' is not the height of the towers, it is the clearance. The height of the towers is 471' (144m). [JohnWeeks]
Basically, everything that wasn't a platitude was wrong.]
Dennis DeBruler: The main span is 1,300' instead of 1,600'. And 175' is the clearance, not the height of the towers. The towers are 471' high.
[I clicked Angry on this post.]
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It has the lowest span for major East Coast ports. [jacksonville]
Bulk commodities, container and cruise ports are just upstream of this bridge.
NOAA uses the term "air gap" instead of vertical clearance. I wonder how many ships have to pay attention to low tides in order to go under the bridge.
TidesAndCurrents

"This bridge had been proposed for more than 30 years. It nearly was started in the 1970s, but an economic recession caused it to be shelved. The bridge design was modified late in the design process to increase the height above the water from 160 feet to 175 feet. It is fortunate that this was done since modern container ships need this clearance. Some critics suggest that this was still too low, and it should have been built with 190 feet of clearance to allow the larger cruise ships to pass under the bridge. Even that would be too low given that the newest cruise ships require 200 feet of clearance....The bridge is officially named after Napoleon Bonaparte Broward, a former governor of Florida and all-around character. Besides his political career, Broward was a daring sea captain and was known to run guns to the Cuban revolutionaries." The cable arrangement is the harp style. [JohnWeeks]

United States beauty posted ten photos with the comment:
The Dames Point Bridge, officially named the Napoleon Bonaparte Broward Bridge, is a cable-stayed bridge spanning the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida. Opened in 1989, it is one of the largest cable-stayed bridges in the United States, featuring a main span of 1,300 feet and soaring towers that reach 471 feet. The bridge is part of the I-295 East Beltway and connects the northern and eastern parts of Jacksonville, supporting substantial commuter and freight traffic. Its high clearance allows large cargo ships to pass underneath, providing critical access to the Port of Jacksonville. The Dames Point Bridge is known for its unique, visually striking design with diamond-shaped towers, making it a recognizable landmark within the Jacksonville skyline. It plays an essential role in the area’s infrastructure, linking key commercial and residential areas across the river.
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Massman Construction Co. posted six images with the comment:
This year, Massman Construction looks back to 1985 to celebrate 40 years since the groundbreaking of the iconic Dames Point Bridge, the first of our many cable-stayed bridges. When it opened in 1989, it was the longest cable-stayed bridge in the United States. It serves as a vital river crossing of the I-295 East Beltway, connecting Jacksonville and its Northside communities. 
Our crews broke ground on the shore of the St. John's River in 1985. The towers ascend to a height of 460' above the water and each pier footing comprises more than 5,000 cu. yds. of concrete. The decks of the bridge were built simultaneously, meeting in the middle and stretching almost a half mile long. Cable-stays support the deck. Dames Point Bridge is still one of the biggest cable-stayed bridges in the U.S., featuring 21 miles of cable. 
Designed by HNTB and RS&H and officially named the Napoleon Bonaparte Broward Bridge, Dames Point Bridge opened in 1989.
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Tracy ÆŽlizabeth posted
Dames Point Bridge (aka Napolean Bonaparte Broward Bridge) over the St Johns River, Jacksonville, Florida… I call it the bowtie bridge.

Chase Gomez posted
Dame’s Point Bridge 
Jacksonville, Florida


Monday, November 11, 2024

1934,1955+2005 Four Bears Bridges over Lake Sakakawea on Missouri River near New Town, ND

(no Bridge Hunter; no Historic Bridges; John A. Weeks III; Satellite)

The continuous truss for this bridge was first built in 1934 40 miles down river of New Town at the City of Elbowood. When the Garrison Dam was built in 1955, the big truss was floated up the river to be used in this bridge. [JohnWeeks]

GhostsOfNorthDakota_bridge, this webpage contains several photos showing the construction of the piers.

NDtourism
"Design honors 19 tribal chiefs of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Indian tribes. It is the longest bridge in North Dakota, spanning nearly 1 mile."
 
New Town was built to provide new homes for the people that were displaced by the creation of Lake Sakakawea, which was created by the Garrison Dam.

This photo includes the construction of the replacement bridge.
GhostsOfNorthDakota_sanish
 
JohnWeeks
"The bridge was to be a precast segmented concrete box girder that was held together by post-tensioned cables that run though the bridge structure. The bridge required 482 of these precast segments, to be used to build 13 spans of 316 feet each, and 2 spans of 196 feet each, for an overall bridge length of 4,500 feet. The piers are interesting on the new bridge. Ice is a big factor, and some extreme forces could potentially hit the bridge if the ice on the lake goes out during high water in the spring. To protect against these forces, cone-shaped concrete piers 39 feet in diameter were built. The side walls of the cones are set at 65-degrees, which will deflect ice upwards, reducing the stress on the piers. The piers are each supported by 13 or 14 pilings driving into the riverbed between 90 and 160 feet. The piers range from 45 feet to 73 feet, and the bridge ranges in thickness from 8 feet to 17 feet, placing the roadway as high as 90 feet above the water."

So did these display remnants come from a deck truss or from the big continuous truss?
Street View, Nov 2021

'Today (Nov 11, 2024), I learned about two truss bridges because they had been destroyed. The other one was the Madawaska-Edmundston International Bridge.

Carl Bolander & Sons posted seven photos with the comment:
🟢 Four Bears Bridge Project - Part 1 
In 2005, Bolander was contracted to demolish and remove the Four Bears Bridge over the Missouri River near New Town, North Dakota. This included the existing 4,300 foot long steel box truss bridge and the concrete pier foundations. 
Key project highlights include:
🟢 Environmental Safety: Before demolition, our team meticulously inspected the structural steel for loose lead paint, ensuring safe removal and disposal in compliance with environmental regulations.
🟢 Efficient Demolition: The concrete bridge deck was effectively dismantled using hydraulic breakers, with the rubble carefully loaded onto material barges for transport to a concrete recycling facility.
🟢 Innovative Techniques: We employed pre-torching and blasting methods for the structural steel truss members, allowing for efficient removal and recycling. The steel sections were expertly retrieved from the riverbed using cranes and a five-point grapple system.
🟢 Precision in Pier Demolition: Our team utilized excavators and drilled holes in the concrete piers to place explosives, bringing them down to the necessary elevation while minimizing environmental impact.
🟢 Habitat Restoration: Using sonar technology, we precisely placed concrete rubble from the demolition on the riverbed, transforming it into a new fish habitat.
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Darel Maden posted
Four Bears Bridge Missouri River North Dakota

Michael Rudnick commented on Darel's post
In the winter....