Bridge Approaches

maurajbo

Help! I hope it's okay to post this here. I don't know where else to turn!

I'm writing an article about a construction project, due Monday for my insane editor, and I don't understand what the contractors are doing in the project.

The project description says it includes 4.4 miles of bridge approaches for the bridge at Leeville and the connectors to the existing La. 1 roadway. Cost: $141.4 million.

Does this mean they are connecting the bridge to La. 1 for the first time? What the heck is a connector?

And - okay - you will scorn me for the incredibly dumb question, I'm sure but... what are bridge approaches? I mean, I know they support the bridge, but what would the contractors be doing to them? You can't just rip out bridge approaches without felling the bridge, can you? Are they reinforcing them or something?

(Yes, yes, I know, I need to get a hold of the contractors. I'm trying, but it's late on a Friday and this thing's due Monday, falling bridges and all... I don't know if I can get anyone by then.)

Co Duong

This bridge is in Louisiana & I think Massman is the contractor. If you go to La DOTD you can get alot of information on this project (from plans to specs & possible pictures) and I think that you can down load all the information.. Bridge approach is the slabbefore you get on the bridge

maurajbo

Yes, it's a joint venture between Traylor Bros. and Massman. I have the project numbers for all three phases of the LA 1 project (829-32-0006, 829-32-0007 and 829-32-0008) but I can't find the original bid documents on the DOT web site. I think they removed them since they're so old.

I'll just call the DOT on Monday I s'pose. Thanks for your help though.

Co Duong

It's was bid on 12/13/06, I went to the web site and all the information still there

Tscarborough

Bridge approaches don't support the bridge (though they can), they are usually seperate structures and are just what the word means: The actual roadway aprroaches to the bridge. Same with connectors: They are new roadways that will connect the existing highway to the new approaches.