River Street Bridge Replacement

Project Highlights

Replacing an old bridge on a busy route used to create major traffic disruption for years as construction proceeded. Using state-of-the-art accelerated bridge construction techniques, P. Gioioso can now construct the bridge off site and roll it in with a Self-Propelled Modular Transporter (SPMT). Hyde Park’s River Street bridge, adjacent to Thorn Street and Oakcrest Road, was very old and was rated in poor condition. It was slated to be replaced as part of MassDOT’s push to rebuild structurally deficient bridges across the Commonwealth. Complicating the project, the bridge reached over commuter rail and freight train tracks and need to be raised by 18 inches to accommodate double-decker commuter trains.

P. Gioioso’s crews constructed the new bridge at an adjacent parcel as site preparations were underway at the final bridge location. Then, over the course of a long weekend, the old bridge was dismantled and removed, precast concrete caps were installed on the old abutments, and a Self-Propelled Modular Transporter inched the new 400-ton bridge superstructure over to its new location—much like the crawler for the space shuttle. This technique required the rail lines to be shut down for only 3 days and substantially minimized traffic disruption. In addition to the bridge move, utilities were relocated, road and sidewalk construction were completed, and lighting and fencing were installed. Due to this precise and efficient technique, the bridge was able to open ahead of schedule.

New York Times: Did Someone Order an Instant Bridge? Read here