The Replacement of Frederick Avenue Bridge over Gwynns Falls & CSX Railroad project included the complete demolition and replacement of the historic Frederick Avenue arch bridge. A stream diversion and causeway were required to construct the center pier in portions of the environmentally sensitive Gwynns Falls. Fay designed a unique method to “launch and set” the girders from each abutment, reducing time and conflicts with the railroad. A “skidder beam system” was used due to the urban location, which made it difficult to use a larger crane to set the girders. Fay used a combination of pre-cast and cast-in-place arch facade to replicate the existing bridge appearance. Improvements to the intersection of Caton Avenue and Wilkens Avenue in Baltimore City had to be completed before the bridge could be closed for demolition.
What makes it interesting?
The existing two-span, filled-concrete-arch bridge, built in 1930, was replaced with a modernized structure that mimics the existing aesthetic and historical architecture. The new bridge is a two-span, 230-foot-long structure. Other features included a multi-phased traffic plan; pavement replacement; storm sewer and storm water management; curb and sidewalk replacement; underground utilities; signals; and landscaping.
How HCSS Software assisted with this project
The user-friendliness and simple interface of the HeavyBid allowed for less time spent putting the actual bid together and more time spent value engineering ideas and finding ways to save money. Throughout the project, HeavyBid was also utilized in cost workups for proposals and change orders.Ease of use saved time during these cost workups and provided an accurate and efficient way to track extra costs in a timely manner in order to not delay receipt of payment for any extra work or change orders.
