Skip to main content

Bridge link underway in Texas

In the US state of Texas, work is in hand to build new bridges carrying US-281 over the Colorado River at Marble Falls. The Texas Department of Transportation has set a budget of close to US$30 million to replace the existing Lake Marble Falls Bridge with two new bridges.
March 22, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
New twin bridges at Marle Falls in Texas will carrying US 281 over the Colorado River - image courtesy of Guy Tuttle
In the US state of Texas, work is in hand to build new bridges carrying US-281 over the Colorado River at Marble Falls.

The 3499 Texas Department of Transportation has set a budget of close to US$30 million to replace the existing Lake Marble Falls Bridge with two new bridges. This crossing is some 80km from Austin and the project requires the demolition of the existing steel truss bridge and the construction of twin segmental bridges. The new bridges will be built using the balanced cantilever construction method with end spans constructed on falsework.

Finley Engineering Group (FINLEY) carried out a time-dependent staged analysis of the structure to monitor stresses and expected deflection during construction. The firm revised the segment layout and optimised the post-tensioning layout, which reduced costs and construction time. The analysis process included developing a model, which used Bridge Information Modeling (BrIM). This allowed the synchronisation of the CADD shop drawings with the analysis model, to meet the contractor’s fast-pace construction schedule. The first of the new bridges is under construction at present and is due for completion in mid 2012. The second bridge will be finished in 2014. Archer-Western Contractors is building the two structures and FINLEY’s portion of the project includes bridge design and a full construction engineering package.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Digital transformation is delivering digital adoption
    August 15, 2023
    Digital transformation is key for transportation agencies and their partners to do their jobs better and faster. One way to do this is through digital delivery using digital models, data, and supporting field tools for roadway design, structures design, and construction, say the tech experts at Bentley Systems.
  • Innovative machine control systems for Canadian slipforming work
    November 29, 2013
    Advanced machine control technologies are speeding site layout and construction operations Canadian house building firm Mattamy Homes has brought in a contractor that has used sophisticated equipment to build the roads around its new development in Oakville, Ontario. The site is just 30 minutes drive from Toronto. Phase 1-A of the project is under construction and nearly every one of the 550 homes that will be built there has been sold already. Additional phases will bring the total number of homes to 1,800
  • Earthmoving developments for construction machines
    August 14, 2017
    Excavators, wheeled loaders and ADTs have all seen improvements for this year. New developments in earthmoving machines continue to help improve working efficiency for contractors. The excavator market is the largest single segment of the construction machine sector, with competition being tough between the major players, and a steady stream of new models coming to market. Doosan has launched the new Stage IV compliant DX225LC-5 crawler excavator, which is said to offer high performance, fuel efficiency, r
  • US highway rebuild uses hard-wearing asphalt
    July 18, 2012
    Guntert & Zimmerman equipment is being used to create a new hard-wearing asphalt surface on a key Interstate highway in the US state of Kansas as Mike Woof reports A busy Interstate highway in the US is now benefiting from a new, long-lasting surface. The road, Interstate 70 in Western Kansas, was in need of resurfacing. The full-depth asphalt roadway, up to 508mm thick in certain sections, had reached the end of its working life.