Rehabilitation and Painting of Bridge 1-813 carrying I-495 over Christina River

Project Limits:

The Christina River Bridge carries Interstate 495 over the Christina River and the Norfolk Southern Railroad in Wilmington, Delaware. The total length of the project is 4395 feet.

Project Need:

The 2000 and 2002 bi-annual bridge inspections of the structure and coating condition surveys revealed deficiencies in several elements of the bridge including concrete deterioration in portions of the deck and substructure units, damaged transverse deck joints, malfunctioning girder bearings, damaged fender system, and deterioration of the bridge paint system. In addition, the bridge is located in a Seismic Performance Category (SPC) B zone and was constructed using tall rocker bearings which do not meet the performance requirements as specified in AASHTO. The tall rocker bearings needed to be replaced or retrofitted to prevent toppling of the bearings during a seismic event.

Brief Description or Project Overview

The work on the subject bridge involves the replacement of all approach span tall rocker bearings with bronze sliding plate bearings, the replacement of main span tall rocker bearings with pot bearings, concrete encasement of main span and approach span tall fixed bearings, replacement of existing transverse roadway joints, repairing various structural concrete spalls and cracks, strengthening of various structural members, parapet protective coating, installing drainage troughs, timber fender system repairs, and clean and paint the entire steel superstructure.

Anticipated/Actual Start Date

March 15, 2004

Anticipated/Actual Completion Date:

March 28, 2007

Current Construction Schedule:

900 Days

Contractor & Cost:

Contractor has yet to be selected.

Construction Details:

• The existing bridge is a dual thirty-eight span structure consisting of thirty-five simple and continuous steel multi-girder approach spans. The three main spans over the Christina River consist of a two girder/floor-beam/stringer system, which is continuous. The substructure consists of reinforced concrete stub abutments and hammerhead piers.
• Lane closures on I-495 are permitted between the hours of 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Traffic will be maintained throughout the duration of the project. The above deck repairs will be performed within these hours and they include the replacement of existing transverse roadway joints, repairing concrete spalls in parapets and deck, applying parapet protective coating, and installing longitudinal joint seals.
• Jacking of the superstructure for bearing replacement will be performed between the hours of 2:00 AM to 4:00 AM, when there is minimum traffic crossing the bridge. These operations will be performed below the bridge and will have minimal impacts on traffic.

Detailed Description:

Not applicable at this time.

Next Meeting Date or List of scheduled meetings:

TBD