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Projects
 


Bishop Hodges Bridge Replacement

The engineering and design work on this project earned TRC a Gold Award in Structural Systems from the West Virginia Chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC).


Client:
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston

Project Location:
Huttonsville, West Virginia




Project Challenges

On March 31, 2009, the Bishop Hodges Bridge located at the Bishop Hodges Pastoral Center near Huttonsville, WV was rendered impassable when a portion of the truss floor system collapsed as a result of use by an overweight vehicle. The existing bridge was a 3-span structure comprised of a 2-span steel beam approach and a simple span through truss that was originally constructed in 1891 at an alternate location and moved to the Pastoral Center in 1936.

TRC was contracted by the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston to inspect the condition of the existing bridge and offer possible solutions to crossing the Tygart Valley River. It was the Diocese’s desire to not only find a cost-effective solution, but one that would garner the same visual recognition and blend well with the location’s picturesque setting.


Solution

In keeping with the Diocese’s desire to have an aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective structure, similar to the original truss, the use of a prefabricated truss system was proposed.

Once the span arrangement was finalized, TRC performed the required hydraulic analysis and prepared the NPDES permit needed for construction.

To enhance the structure’s aesthetics, a number of visual enhancements were incorporated into the project. Included were low maintenance cast aluminum poles painted black to match the rail elements on the bridge; use of tear drop shaped lights; cut stone form liners; structural steel tube guiderails; and a contrasting black and bright red color scheme.

TRC prepared the construction plans for the project which included the approach roadway, abutment drawings, quantities and all notes necessary for the construction of the project. TRC also coordinated an on-site mandatory pre-bid meeting, assisted the Diocese with the bid package preparation and solicitation, and provided inspection and engineering support services during the construction phase.

The ultimate success of the project earned TRC a Gold Award in Structural Systems from the West Virginia Chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC).