Technical Description:
• Big R Bridge
® Rolled Girder
• Width: 18 ft
• Span: 40 ft
• Finish: Weathered Steel
• Decking: Concrete
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When an existing bridge on Sam Brown Hill Road in the small town of Brownfield, Maine (population 1,500) was deemed structurally deficient by the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT), it was imperative that the replacement structure be installed in a timely manner to allow safety vehicles and plows quick and direct access to remote areas, while also staying within the town's budget constraints.
After researching options, the town decided that a 40' span x 18' wide Big R Bridge® Rolled Girder was the best solution to meet its needs. Not only did the bridge meet state and federal standards but it also utilized domestically sourced materials.
Since the existing stone foundations were deemed sound, the new structure was placed on new small spread footings located behind them. By utilizing the existing foundations and a longer span bridge, costly in-water work and permitting was avoided. The structure was installed via a small crane with a limited crew in just a few hours. The entire project was completed in two weeks, meeting the original deadline.
With the cost of the project limited to grant money only, this project's biggest challenge was the budget. In order to keep the cost of the project within the tight budget, the town acted as its own general contractor for the bridge installation. Utilizing a local concrete subcontractor and partnering with a local crane company helped keep costs within budget.
“The entire Contech Engineered Solutions crew from sales, engineering and delivery were a joy to work with,” concluded Brian Fortier, Director of Public Works with the Town of Brownfield. "I would and have recommended Contech to anyone in need of a bridge. Hands down a top shelf company."
Technical Description:
• Big R Bridge
® Rolled Girder
• Width: 18 ft
• Span: 40 ft
• Finish: Weathered Steel
• Decking: Concrete
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