FREEPORT ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

The Freeport Road Bridge over a Norfolk Southern Rail Road Spur was bid utilizing PennDOT’s A+Bx bidding process, which incorporates both the value of the project and the value of construction schedule acceleration. Clearwater’s aggressive schedule to completely remove and replace this structure and open to traffic in 120 days was the minimum time permitted by PennDOT.

Before the Bridge was able to be closed, Clearwater utilized a Design-Build process to construct a 125’ Pedestrian Bridge which also carried a 20” High Pressure Gas Line over the Rail Road Spur. The existing structure over the RR consisted of riveted built-up steel members – some of which required two crane lifts more than 110,000 lbs. each, all while protecting Norfolk Southern Tracks below.
Once demolition was complete, contaminated soils had to be removed in preparation for the construction of a +/- 30ft high Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Wall. The new Prestressed Concrete I- Beam Superstructure is founded on a Pile Capped Abutment. Also, approximately 500 ft of rock slope benching, storm drainage, curb, sidewalk, concrete and asphalt roadway will be replaced concurrently with the bridge construction.