Three-Span Bridge Inspection and Recommendation

Background

A bridge over Como Avenue exhibited deficiencies and signs of distress that required immediate attention. The project sought to determine the feasibility of repairing or replacing the existing bridge.

The Project

Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI) began the project with a detailed site condition inspection. The inspection focused on both superstructure and substructure elements, specifically on items identified to be in poor condition in previous reports.

HEI used the findings from the inspection work to develop a Summary of Findings, an Alternatives Analysis, and a Project Recommendation.

The report focused on solutions to address the bridge’s structural deficiencies and identified the effects on immediate and long-term service.

HEI recommended a removal and replacement of the bridge superstructures and surface repairs to the substructures.

The project recommendation was based on the following:
• Risk and predictability of future operating life of the bridge
• Serviceability efficiencies and disruption of railroad operations
• Initial and life cycle costs
• General operating interests of the railroad
• General consideration of public interests