Technical Description:
- Aluminum Box Culvert
- Span: 11'-7"
- Rise: 2'-10"
- Length: 45'
Flooding often occurs on Parker Lane in Olive Hill, Kentucky, As a solution, Mike Malone, the Carter County Fiscal Court Judge Executive, recommended replacing several small culverts that were always blocked at the inlet ends by debris. These blockages caused the shallow creek running through the structures to flood the road above.
"Carter County sought the opinion of a bridge engineer who said the solution would require a very expensive concrete bridge because of the skew of the road and the creek," stated Malone.
Knowing the County has utilized Contech Engineered Solutions in the past, Judge Malone made contact again to determine the best solution. He requested a low profile arch with more open area so debris would be able to pass freely through the structure. As the best solution, a 11'-7" x 2'-7" Aluminum Box Culvert (ALBC), 45' in length, was selected for its quick installation.
"Since Contech provided aluminum culverts in the past for us with very good results, we sought a proposal from them again," added Malone. "Their solution cost about 20% of the original estimate. Since we had to replace seven bridges from that one storm event, a less expensive alternative was much needed and appreciated."
In order to expedite the installation, the new structure was assembled on-site concurrently with the removal of the existing structures. Even though it was winter, the ALBC was able to be assembled on-site adjacent to the stream. Once assembled, the structure was lifted into place via crane. Installation of the structure, including headwalls and wingwalls, was concluded in just two days. The road was closed for only two and a half days.
Upon completion, the road was reopened with a much wider width and local residents are able to access their homes despite large rainfalls.
"It has now been a year since we installed the structure," concluded Malone. "Even though we received record rainfall in 2018, the bridge was not topped by flood water, and the residents had no problems coming and going. Before the new structure was installed, the 70 people living on the upstream side frequently could not get out for days at a time. The residents have told me many times how happy they are to have a new bridge."
Technical Description:
- Aluminum Box Culvert
- Span: 11'-7"
- Rise: 2'-10"
- Length: 45'