Project: Walt Whitman Bridge over the Delaware River. Grid Manufacturer: LB Foster
Location: Philadelphia, PA / Gloucester City, NJ. Contractor: American Bridge
Install Date: 2011-2013 Design Engineering Company: AECOM
Bridge Owner: Delaware River Port Authority
Project Description: Over 270,000 square feet of 50+ year old grid deck was replaced with a modern grid deck system that is partially filled with lightweight concrete to reduce dead load and facilitate staged construction. With 120,000 vehicles per day passing over the bridge, only single lane closures were allowed during peak hours to minimize traffic disruptions. An additional lane adjacent to the construction lane was closed for contractor access during off-peak hours (9:30am-2:30pm).
Notable Features of Project: The new “floating deck” is the first of its kind to be used on a suspension bridge, and eliminates the need for deck relief joints everywhere except at the towers and anchorages. The project should be completed in the Fall of 2013, about six months ahead of schedule.