NTM was the Prime Consultant for SR 239 over Pine Creek in Luzerne County, PA (E04275) and was the 3rd precast bridge that NTM has designed. However, unlike the prior two bridges, this bridge is fully precast, including the deck and barriers. Construction is now complete.
The existing bridge was a two-span concrete T-beam structure, and the replacement is a prestressed spread box beam, single 68’-span. Due to detour limitations, a separate car and truck detour had to be utilized for this replacement. In addition, due to extensive in-stream restrictions (October 1-June 1) and heavy local farming activities, accelerated construction was selected over staged construction as the preferred delivery method.
NTM developed a 42-day construction schedule to allow for demolition of the old bridge and construction of the new. The contractor implemented the detour on June 2, and has to have the bridge completed and open to traffic by July 12 or they will be assessed daily liquidated damages.
The bridge is being assembled like a Lego set, with footings being placed, followed by abutment and wingstems, abutment caps, and then the superstructure. The superstructure consists of P/S box beams with the concrete deck cast onto them at the fabricators. The fascia beams also have the barrier already cast onto the deck.
NTM had three cameras installed at the construction site to keep track of the progress. A timelapse video of the construction can be seen below.
NTM was also responsible for the hydrology and hydraulics (H&H), project management, quality control, highway, permitting, erosion and sediment control (E&S), drainage, and public involvement tasks.