The world’s first precast network arch bridge is changing the landscape of downtown Fort Worth, Texas, as the first two of 12 arches were recently placed. The W. 7th Street bridge is the first-of-its-kind and will serve as a gateway to the city’s cultural district where buildings designed by luminaries such as Louis Khan, Tado Ando and Renzo Piano line the landscape.
“The W. 7th Street bridge design and construction techniques are further examples of Texas leading the way in innovation,” said TxDOT Executive Director Phil Wilson. “In addition to being an architectural and engineering landmark for the city of Fort Worth, this precast network arch bridge is a safe, sound and high-quality structure that will benefit both motorists and businesses.”
Video: Building the First Precast Network Arch Bridge
The new $26 million W. 7th Street bridge, which replaces its 100-year-old predecessor, is a unique and beautiful design that offers much more pedestrian access. With its series of sculpted network arches and unique, modern architecture, the new bridge serves as the entrance to the city’s vibrant downtown and cultural district.
TxDOT has a long history of building durable, high-strength, precast concrete bridges quickly and at costs that consistently rank among the least in the nation. The innovative design of the Fort Worth bridge met the challenges of quick construction, aesthetic beauty and improved mobility and safety while also providing a large hydraulic opening to mitigate flood conditions.
The contractor, Sundt Construction, Inc. of San Antonio, began work over a year ago with little to no impact on motorists and businesses. The arches were constructed at a nearby casting yard donated by Chesapeake Energy. Each arch is 163.5 feet long and weighs 300 tons. Within the arch, there is a network of stainless steel hangers with clevises and tie-beam connections that protect pedestrians from traffic on the bridge while allowing both motorists and pedestrians to enjoy a nearly unobstructed view of the river. This new construction method is expected to result in seven fewer months of bridge closure compared to a typical 12 months or more using traditional methods.
This spring, all 12 arches will be transported and set on columns located beside the original bridge before it is closed and removed. Over the summer, traffic on the bridge will be detoured onto an adjacent city street while the precast beams and deck panels are set, followed by a concrete slab and stainless steel hand rails.
The project is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2013.
