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

  • New bridge for Drammen, Norway
    January 19, 2021
    A new bridge will be built in Drammen, Norway.
  • Safe road barrier innovations
    March 8, 2012
    New road barrier concepts offer major gains in highway safety.
  • Texas highway contract
    January 22, 2018
    Michael Baker International has been awarded a US$6.1 million contract by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The contract is for Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) services for the Lowest Stemmons Freeway project. The Lowest Stemmons project, a 3.7km stretch of Interstate-35E (I-35E), runs from Interstate-30 to north of Oak Lawn Avenue in Dallas. The aim of the project is to reduce congestion, improve mobility and deliver more reliable travel times. The project is also the first for
  • SSL hits back over criticism of its work on the Champlain Bridge
    December 11, 2017
    The contactor building the replacement Champlain Bridge in Canada has hit back over of allegations of poor workmanship in the US$3.3 billion project. The new 3.4km cable-stayed Champlain Bridge over the St Lawrence River will have six lanes vehicle lanes and a separate cycle and pedestrian lane. Design life is 125 years and is being constructed under a public-private partnership and operating contract of 30 years after completion of construction. Work includes construction of a smaller bridge for Île des