ODOT to try rapid-construction project with bridge near Mannford
BY JARREL WADE World Staff Writer
Tuesday, December 04, 2012
12/04/12 at 6:28 AM
OKLAHOMA CITY - A bridge near Mannford will be the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's testing ground for the state's first rapid-construction bridge project, disrupting traffic at the site for just 21 days, transportation officials said Monday.
Officials announced the $3.8 million project at the monthly meeting of the ODOT commission. The project will cost more to build than using traditional methods but will result in net savings when compared to typical bridge projects, which typically disrupt traffic for months, officials said.
The process, which has been successfully used in other states, involves prefabricating the new bridge next to the existing one.
Construction crews then dismantle the old bridge and move the new one into position in a matter of days, said Tulsa region ODOT Engineer Randle White.
State Transportation Secretary Gary Ridley said the process comes with additional costs for each project, as well as some startup costs because it's the first project of its kind. However, the rapid-construction process will be easier on drivers, who are affected by detours and traffic disruptions for months, he said.
"We have been in the rapid-bridge construction business in the past," Ridley said. "This is a newer twist to it where you're able to build it off-site."
The project is planned for Oklahoma 51 over Cottonwood Creek about 8.5 miles east of Oklahoma 99. It was awarded to Manhattan Road and Bridge, to be completed with 21 days of traffic disruption, according to ODOT records.
White said the entire construction project will take about six months, including the three weeks of traffic disruption.
White said traditional construction on similar projects takes about nine months, and traffic is disrupted for the entire project.
The rapid-construction bridge process will be used occasionally and will not become a standard for how ODOT replaces bridges, he said.
Also at Monday's meeting, Ridley warned drivers to be aware of construction crews on Oklahoma highways this winter. Due to the mild weather, Ridley said more crews are out working when holiday travel is at its peak.
Original Print Headline: Rapid-bridge project is a first for ODOT
Jarrel Wade 918-581-8367
jarrel.wade@tulsaworld.com
