Fascia Girder Repairs

SJH was requested by NJDOT to develop plans, specifications and estimate for the replacement of fascia girders and bearings at three bridges to address collision damage to the girders. The bridges were, Route US 46 Ramp over Route US 46, West 63rd Street over Route NJ 440, and CR 683 over US 202 & NJ 23. The collision damage to the fascia girders at the three (3) bridges was due to substandard vertical clearance. Damages were imparted to the steel stringers, diaphragms, and bearings. In order to minimize loading to these fascia girders, lanes were narrowed as a temporary measure. Repair work at these structures was performed on an emergency basis.

The design effort included visiting all three (3) sites for inspection and necessary measurements, coordination with NJDOT Traffic Operations for lane closure hours and lane shifts, coordination with Utility Companies for utility protection and possible relocations. Design followed AASHTO LRFD method for HL-93 loading. Thirty-one (31) design drawings were produced, along with specifications and  engineer’s estimate. Due to the emergency nature of this repair design, the entire construction documents were required to be completed within six weeks.

Our designs required the removal of existing guide rails, fence, parapet, sidewalk/safety walk, fascia bay of deck, and steel fascia girders and diaphragms. We removed and replaced new elastomeric bearings on existing bridge seats. We designed the installation for new steel fascia girders and steel diaphragms. We also reviewed the geometry and increased the proposed vertical clearance where ever possible. The effort involved the reconstruction of sidewalk/safety walk and the installation of new guide rails, fence and parapet. SJH also provided construction support services including review of shop drawings, and responding to Request for Information (RFIs) by the contractor.