CSS Case Study: Jumper Creek Bridge Replacement

By John S. Fowler, P.E.

CSS National Dialog 2

March 19, 2014

Introduction

• FDOT inspects every bridge in the State biennially (includes bridges off the State Highway System)

• Sumter CR 311W over Jumper Creek

• 2009: Sufficiency Rating = 17.7 (out of 100)

• Considered structurally deficient

• Scheduled for replacement in FY 2012

• Federally funded bridge replacement

The Existing Bridge

• Built in 1962

• One lane, timber structure

• 212’ long

• 11’ clear width from face of curb to face of curb

• 12’ total width from outside of curb to outside of curb

• No existing bridge railings

The Site

• One way in; one way out

• Access constrained by a 14’ x 14’ box culvert

• CR 311W: 18’ wide dirt road north of the bridge; two rutted wheelpathssouth of the bridge (ADT ≈ 10 vpd)

• Six total property owners west of I-75; three south of Jumper Creek

• Rural area mostly used for agriculture

• Several billboards within CR 311W R/W

• Overhead utility lines at R/W line

The Easy Answer

• Use FDOT Standards

• Two 12’ travel lanes

• 8’ paved shoulders

• Concrete and steel structure with approach slabs and barrier walls

• Maintain access during construction

Design Options

• Replace bridge with box culvert

• Build access road from the south and eliminate the need for a bridge

• Permanent realignment of roadway at bridge

• Temporary bridge

The Context

• Rural area, primarily agricultural use

• Very low volume dirt road with difficult access

• Three property owners affected by bridge closing, plus billboards and utilities

• Property owners:

• Do not want property opened to development

• Would prefer to maintain the rural character of the area

The Solution

• New Bridge:

• One-lane typical section

• 14’ clear width (15’ from back of curb to back of curb)

• Steel piles and concrete pile caps

• Timber superstructure and bridge deck

• No approach slabs

• No bridge railings

Other Practical Solutions

• Bridge completely closed during construction• Negotiated settlements with affected property owners totaling about $100,000

• Saved the cost of maintaining traffic

• Shortened the project schedule

• Access from I-75• Constructed temporary access from L/A right-of-way

• Allowed access to properties in case of emergency

• Allowed delivery of oversized equipment/materials to job site

Temporary Access Detail

Context Sensitive Solutions

• Use of timber: Maintained rural feel

• One-lane typical section: Appropriate for very low volume, and also pleased property owners who did not want the area opened to development

• No bridge railings: Appropriate for the local users who are comfortable traversing the bridge; also allowed for better views of the bridge

• No MOT: Saved time and money; property owners were happy to accept cash payment for being denied use of their property for three months

Questions?Contact Info:John S. Fowler, P.E.Phone: (850) 330-1450E-mail: John.Fowler@dot.state.fl.us