B & H Railroad over Hodgekins Creek

An aging, turn-of-the-century, steel railway bridge over a stream adjacent to a levy was in need of replacement. The old structure did not provide sufficient hydraulic opening, since the stream was consistently rising above the rails, causing safety and maintenance concerns. Maintenance crews were required to remove debris collecting at the pier annually.

The solution was to install a 36-foot span x 11-foot rise CON/SPAN^® structure. Because the rail line serves the community in the transporting of heating fuel to the local residents, construction time was limited to a seven day window. The contractor was able to demolish the old bridge; excavate and cast new footings; set the CON/SPAN ^® precast arch units, headwalls, and wingwalls; as well as backfill in the first three days of construction.

All of the CON/SPAN^® components were designed in accordance with the structural requirements of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) specifications. The finished structure was economical, met demands for quick installation, and provided a clear span, virtually eliminating future bridge maintenance.