Technical Description:
• CON/SPAN
® Arch-Box Bridge System
• Span: 32’
• Rise: 9'
• Length: 80’
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The sense of community in the Plymouth-Northville area, as well as the beautiful neighborhoods, highly-rated school systems, spacious parks and a vibrant downtown make it a special family destination in the Metro-Detroit area. Located 20 minutes from Ann Arbor and 30 minutes from Detroit and bordered by major highways, the area provides ready access to local attractions and transportation hubs. The Plymouth and Northville Townships approved the creation of a new entity called Michigan International Technology Corridor (MITC) Redevelopment Authority to promote job growth and local business development.
“This is a historic moment for our communities,” stated Northville Township Supervisor Robert Nix while thanking the Michigan Land Bank for helping to create "an engine for economic growth and development for years to come."
As part of the MITC program, the communities developed a long-term infrastructure plan, along with the Wayne County Department of Public Services (DPS), in order to support the continued growth. The bridge structure on Ridge Road at the Johnson Drain was closed in May 2017 due to structural deficiencies and the concern for public welfare. Community leaders understood that the development of the currently underutilized Ridge Road would alleviate traffic congestion for other heavily traveled roads nearby, specifically Beck Road and Sheldon Road. The closed bridge structure then became a priority for infrastructure improvement for the community and Wayne County.
Wayne County DPS selected Great Lakes Engineering (GLE) as the design engineer with directions that the bridge replacement be completed quickly and within the 2018 budget year. With time and budgeting constraints, GLE turned to Contech Engineered Solutions for an innovative precast product similar to the one recently installed for another Michigan Department of Transportation project. The 4-sided, concrete arch system is a modified version of a traditional concrete box culvert, available in spans up to 36 feet. For the Ridge Road crossing, GLE selected a 32' x 9' CON/SPAN® Arch-Box Bridge System for its cost effectiveness, quick installation and the elimination of deep pile foundations.
The entire structure was installed by Z Contractors over a four day period and included precast wingwalls and headwalls, all at a significant savings when compared to a 3-sided arch product on traditional deep pile foundations.
"We utilized the innovative Arch-Box structure to expedite construction allowing for the option of winter construction and to expedite the overall construction schedule," concluded Casey Collings, Project Manager with GLE. "This structure allowed for the use of precast sections for rapid installation and eliminated the need for pile driving which substantially reduced the number of days to complete the construction portion of the project."
Technical Description:
• CON/SPAN
® Arch-Box Bridge System
• Span: 32’
• Rise: 9'
• Length: 80’
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