Top Projects of 2002 -- Seattle DJC.COM

#11. SR-433, Lewis and Clark Bridge 433/1 deck rehabilitation

Original contract amount: $17,944,963

The Lewis and Clark Bridge project will increase shoulder room and replace deteriorated concrete decking.
Diagram courtesy of WSDOT

Project address:
State Route 433, Milepost 0.63 (Longview) to OR Milepost 0.51 (Rainier)

Start of construction:
Late January 2003

Expected completion date:
September 2003

Owner:
Washington State Department of Transportation

Description The SR-433 Lewis and Clark Bridge project will replace the bridge decking on the mile-long bridge over the Columbia River that connects the city of Longview, Wash., to Rainier, Ore.

Oregon and Washington states are jointly funding the deck replacement, with each state contributing half. Washington State Department of Transportation designed the replacement project in-house.

The Lewis and Clark Bridge, built in 1929 and also known as the Rainier Bridge, is a steel structure with concrete decking. The design was the work of engineer Joseph B. Strauss, who also designed San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.

Replacing the bridge deck is more economical that building a completely new bridge, which would cost an estimated $200 million.

The deck replacement option is also a more timely solution for the aging bridge with deteriorating decking.

The upgrade calls for replacing several deck sections of the bridge approach on the Washington side, decking on the entire main span, and most of the decking for the approach on the Oregon side.

Decking replacement will consist of full-width precast concrete deck panels. Utilizing full-length panels shortens the construction timeframe, but necessitates bridge closures for installation. Repairs are targeted to improve flow and enhance traffic safety crossing the water.

Refurbishments include a wider shoulder on both the northbound and southbound lanes. The wider shoulders will allow for traffic movement around disabled vehicles, as well as additional room for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Additional safety upgrades include night illumination and raised, wide, white reflective striping along the shoulders of the bridge.

The widened and leveled bridge will feature 12-foot driving lanes, one in each direction, and 5-foot-wide shoulders.

Construction is scheduled to reduce the impact on users by starting work on the bridge after the holiday season and performing much of the construction on nights and weekends.

Deck replacement requires closure of the bridge for several weekends and approximately 130 nights.

PROJECT PARTICIPANTS

Contractor:
Max J. Kuney Co., P.O. Box 4008, N. 120 Ralph St., Spokane, WA 99202-0008, (509) 535-0651

Other Participants

F.D. Thomas

Fought Steel

Graham Steel

Glacier NW

Mammoet