2012 Bridge Innovations in

MinnesotaInternational Partnership Day

An SPMT is used for transporting massive structures that are too large or heavy for normal trucks

The SPMT consists of more than 300 wheels that can be individually be controlled

Self-Propelled Modular Transporter

Allows for prefabrication of bridge deck offsite and away from traffic

Reduces traffic disruptions Improves work zone safety Improves quality and constructability Increases contractor options

Why use an SPMT?

The Maryland Avenue bridge was replaced using innovative construction methods that would reduce overall length of closures

The two deck spans were built at a staging area that was located on the west side of the I-35E roadway

Once the spans, abutments and piers were completed, the spans were moved into position using the SMPT

Both spans were in place by the end of one day

Maryland Avenue Bridge

Maryland Avenue Bridge

Benefits◦ Shorter construction time: Maryland bridge

reduced construction closure time from 100 days to 60 days

◦ Increased work zone safety: by using technology that allows building the bridge deck and superstructure alongside the highway rather than around traffic

◦ Reduced congestion: achieved performance goals of reducing congestion due to construction and enhancing safety and user satisfaction

Maryland Bridge

The previous Highway 61 Bridge spanning the Mississippi River in Hastings in 1950 and was in need of replacement to accommodate larger traffic volumes

The main bridge span was built at the project’s Flint Hills Preserve staging area and later lifted from it’s shoring towers and moved down to the river by the SPMT and placed on a flotilla of barges

The main span floated down the river and moved into a pre-lift location

Finally, the main span was connected to hydraulic stand jacks and lifted approx. 50 feet

Hastings Bridge

Hastings Bridge

Benefits◦ Minimizes traffic disruption to motorists and keeps

the old bridge largely open traffic◦ Increases work zone safety by using technology

that allows building the bridge deck and superstructure alongside the river rather than open water

◦ Improves quality of life for Hastings residents◦ Once the project is completed, the bridge will be

the longest free-standing tied-arch bridge in North America

Hastings Bridge

Thank you!