Technical Description:
• Triple-cell CON/SPAN B-Series Bridge System
• 1 - 48' span x 12'-6" rise x 33'-8" length
• 2 - 48' span x 11'-0" rise x 33'-8" length
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After the original, 102 year old structure located on SR 1010 over Conestoga River was deemed structurally deficient, a replacement structure was needed. Averaging more than 1,300 vehicles per day, it was imperative that this structure be replaced quickly and efficiently.
After weighing the options, a triple-cell CON/SPAN® B-Series Bridge System was selected as the best bridge replacement option for its rapid installation and the ability to mimic the look of the original, historic structure. The inner cell of the structure was 48' span x 12'-6" rise x 33'-8" length, while the two outer cells were 48' span x 11'-0" rise x 33'-8" length. Additionally, an architectural surface treatment was utilized on the outside face of the precast units.
"The existing structure was unique in that it was a 3 span reinforced concrete cantilevered arch," stated Keith Steube, P.E., PMP, Structural Engineer with CDM Smith. "The barrier on either side of the bridge acted as a thru-girder which allowed the end spans to be cantilevered from the center span; there were no bearings at either abutment."
All 27 precast arches of the new structure were installed via crane in a single day. The six precast headwalls and four precast wingwalls were all set on the second day.
During an opening ceremony, the bridge was christened the Sgt. Melvin R. Wink Memorial Bridge after U.S. Army Sgt. Wink who was killed in Vietnam in 1970 at 21 years old and just weeks away from returning home. Wink earned several awards for his service, including the Army Commendation Medal, a Silver Star, a Purple Heart and multiple Bronze Stars. The structure is located just a half mile away from Wink's childhood home in Brownstown, and he used to go fishing there with his younger brother.
"Sergeant Melvin R. Wink was a true American hero whose self-sacrifice for the cause of freedom and democracy must never be forgotten by this nation," concluded Pennsylvania State Representative Keith Greiner.
In May 2020, this project received the 2019-2020 Outstanding New Short Span Bridge of the Year award from the Association for Bridge Construction and Design (ABCD).
Technical Description:
• Triple-cell CON/SPAN B-Series Bridge System
• 1 - 48' span x 12'-6" rise x 33'-8" length
• 2 - 48' span x 11'-0" rise x 33'-8" length
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