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.
Road Structures

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • What lies beneath Down Under
    January 11, 2021
    The third and final construction stage on Sydney’s WestConnex project has begun, including the underground Rozelle Interchange – with a lot of help from Komatsu
    Read More
  • A vision of roads
    September 3, 2012
    By 2040 European roads could be built differently, and hopefully be safer, according to the EU research programme NR2C
    Read More
  • Cold climate binder selection, a tricky business
    May 16, 2017
    Binder selection in cold climates is especially critical for extended pavement life, as Robert Otto Rasmussen, vice president and chief engineer of Transtec Group, explains. The cold climate found in regions such as Canada and the northern regions of the US and Europe poses a particular challenge to engineering a long-lasting, high-quality pavement. Pavements constructed with asphalt in those regions are affected by the asphalt binder’s sensitivity to temperature. Choosing a binder wisely is imperative for
    Read More
  • Peri’s formwork and shoring solution for the “East End Crossing”
    July 6, 2016
    Pylons almost 90m high are a striking feature of a new cable-stayed East End Crossing bridge over the Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky state in the US The pylons are characterised by their complex shapes and massive legs and cross beams. Peri provided a comprehensive overall concept for its construction – consisting of a planning solution with perfectly matched formwork, climbing, shoring and scaffolding systems along with extensive on-site support. With a Peri solution, the construction crew were a
    Read More

Highlighted Content