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Bridge project will debut innovative construction methods

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) will replace two highway bridges over US Route 5 on Interstate 91 at exit 11 in White River Junction, approximately one half mile north of the junction of Interstate 91 and Interstate 89. Planning and design for the project will occur in 2014 with construction during 2015.

The bridge replacement will be fast-tracked through VTrans’ Accelerated Bridge Program (ABP). Typically, fast track bridge projects use innovative techniques and are completed in approximately half the time that it would take by conventional construction, often in just one construction season. 

A construction method known as a lateral slide, will be used to replace the Interstate 91 Hartford Bridges for the first time in Vermont.  The slide will take place over two weekends, one for each bridge. Road closures on Interstate 91 will be limited to these two weekends, minimizing inconvenience to travelers. US Route 5 will remain open  while the two bridges are moved into place.

Here’s how the lateral slide will work:

The new bridges will be one-span, allowing the new abutments to be built without affecting traffic flow on the highway.
The new bridges will be one-span, allowing the new abutments to be built without affecting traffic flow on the highway.

1: Building the foundation…beginning spring 2015

Illustration of a bridge slide in progress. Image courtesy of PCL Illustration of a bridge slide in progress. Image courtesy of PCL

2: Moving the new bridges in place…summer 2015

Illustration of a bridge slide in progress. Image courtesy of PCL Illustration of new bridge on supports before moved onto new abutments. Image courtesy of VHB

3. Completing construction & restoring site…fall 2015

View an example of a lateral slide bridge construction (video)