Technical Description:
• Continental
® Pedestrian Truss
• Span: 240 ft
• Width: 12 ft
• Style: Gateway
• Finish: Painted
• Decking: Concrete
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Since many Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly known as the University of Missouri-Rolla and Missouri School of Mines) students live north of I-44, a safer crossing was needed for pedestrians and bicyclists. Located east of the I-44/University Drive (Missouri Route E) Interchange bridge, the new bridge connects the sidewalk on University Drive to White Columns Drive north of the interchange near university housing. The existing bridge did not meet current standards for a combined bike and pedestrian bridge and needed to be replaced.
“As a local consulting firm full of proud Missouri S&T engineering alumni, our team was thrilled to be a part of this landmark project to not only enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility, but to transform the aesthetics of campus within the I-44 corridor,” stated Cameron Schweiss, PE, Design Manager with Archer-Elgin Engineering, Surveying and Architecture, the project's engineer.
Benefits of a new structure include improved safety for pedestrians, better accessibility with ADA compliant features and a wider, multi-use path and bridge. Improvements also were made to the aesthetics of the new pedestrian crossing in order to improve the overall visual look and feel.
Approved by voters in January 2017, the purpose of the Move Rolla Transportation Development District (TDD) Program "is to develop a transportation system that meets the needs of all people and modes and promotes a safe, healthy community and economic opportunities for the next 20 years." Once this project was presented and approved by the program, a 240' span x 12' wide Gateway-style, Continental® Pedestrian Truss was selected as the best solution to provide pedestrians with safe passage over I-44. The bridge was painted in Missouri S&T's signature green color providing an iconic look for the new structure.
Due to the long span of this bridge (possibly the longest pedestrian truss in the state), the Gateway style is often used for walkway or overpass bridges because it utilizes the stability of the box girder to carry the dead load of the bridge. In this instance, the arches were tied with drop rods to carry not only the weight of the concrete decking but also the live load of the bridge.
The bridge was delivered to the site in nine sections (five for the bridge and four for the arch) and then assembled on-site via two cranes. In order to avoid road closures and disrupting vehicular traffic in the area, the installation occurred at night.
Constructed through a partnership between the City of Rolla, Missouri S&T, and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), the Continental truss bridge was a great solution for the site, and all parties involved were pleased with the outcome.
"This pedestrian bridge greatly enhances the safety of our students and the public and also provides a wonderful, welcoming visual for visitors to our campus and community," concluded Dr. Mo Dehghani, chancellor of Missouri S&T, the project's co-owner. "I have walked across this bridge numerous times and appreciate how it also complements our vision to provide a clear view for our new Arrival District, which is currently under construction."
Technical Description:
• Continental
® Pedestrian Truss
• Span: 240 ft
• Width: 12 ft
• Style: Gateway
• Finish: Painted
• Decking: Concrete
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