Transportation DICK HENDERSON BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

INSIDE THE PROJECT

The $24 million project included the replacement of an existing three-span truss bridge over the Kanawha River near Charleston, West Virginia. The project scope included the demolition of the existing 1,400-foot structure, including three 900-foot truss spans over the river. New abutments and approaches were constructed and the existing piers were strengthened to allow the erection of new 11-foot-tall plate girders and superstructure.

Kokosing self-performed the demolition and new bridge construction using its own marine equipment and crews. The existing truss structure was removed by locking existing steel joints and lowering whole panel units from the middle span to barges, and then explosively blasting the end spans and removing the pieces from the river.

The demolition and construction of the new superstructure were completed during an aggressive 10-month closure window. Kokosing forces were able to complete and the project and open the bridge 11 days early.