SR-80 Bascule Bridge

• September 25, 2024

Transforming the landscape along the shimmering waves of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the comprehensive overhaul of the Southern Blvd. Bridge stands as a testament to ingenuity. This formidable enterprise didn't just see the substitution of an outdated movable bridge; it ushered in a new era for this half-mile urban passage. This revitalized the Post Memorial Causeway and included the construction of a temporary bridge to the north, maintaining a smooth flow of daily life during the transformation of the old drawbridge.

The newly constructed structures showcase a blend of sophistication and sturdiness, offering spacious 12-foot lanes coupled with ample 10-foot shoulders. These pathways cater to both cyclists and pedestrians, offering 7 feet for bikes and 6 feet for walkers. They create a welcoming atmosphere that seamlessly blends with the coastal charm. A range of enhancements such as advanced drainage systems, secure bulkhead, retaining walls, and aesthetic lighting pave the way for an improvement of the signalization, signage, and pavement demarcations.

TEMPORARY STRUCTURES

A colossal undertaking in its own right, the temporary lift bridge sufficed brilliantly to manage the ceaseless flow of commuters. The temporary structure, boasting a 175-foot central span, was expertly crafted with precision and efficiency thanks to the team's discerning approach. Anchored by four sturdy counterweight towers, its pedestrian safety was placed at the forefront of design considerations.

Spanning 948 feet, with 11 segments that include a notable 228-foot bascule portion, the bridge represents a harmonious blend of form and function. The continuous concrete slabs of the approach are balanced by a dually structured bascule span, arching overhead with a generous 21-foot clearance.

ENSURING CONNECTION

The Tide Relief Bridge, integral to the project, showcases a 7-span concrete slab configuration. Its stage-by-stage construction upheld the integrity of traffic along the slender causeway. Here, you can see the impressive attention to detail in the construction, with 48-inch and 60-inch drilled shafts supporting the approach and bascule piers, respectively.

APPROACH SEGMENTS

Approach segments (45 feet in dimension) rest upon sturdy pipe piles capped with steel beams. The sum of these efforts results in a sophisticated superstructure layered with rolled steel and precast concrete, topped with an asphalteous sheen for smooth transitions.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

But every transformation story has its challenges. Lake Worth Lagoon, with its varied geotechnical makeup, required creative solutions. Johnson Bros. and Applied Foundation Testing's dedication led to the area's most celebrated drilled shaft achievement. Their collaboration, coupled with careful planning, improved Palm Beach's connectivity amidst evolving development, exemplifying adaptability, resourcefulness, and resilience in the face of infrastructure needs.

COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

Due to the various elements involved in the project, the safety program was created to be flexible, covering marine work, bridge construction, excavation/trenching, and road construction. Team members were given the authority to "stop work" if necessary, and were consistently reminded by supervisors to use this power, helping to identify issues early on that might have been missed during the planning stage.

In situations such as a foot injury during crew boat transfers, thorough investigations were carried out by both supervisors and field staff. These investigations highlighted the need for handrails on crew boats to support personnel while moving, ensuring they always have three points of contact. The findings from these investigations were shared with all employees during the monthly incident review, enabling each project to assess and enhance their procedures and receive appropriate training.

A strong emphasis was placed on hands-on learning, led by a mix of external trainers, internal trainers, and company experts. For instance, the fall rescue training involved collaboration with local emergency responders and project staff, providing valuable insights into the resources required for emergency rescue operations. Through the involvement of various experts and practical experiences, participants gained a thorough understanding of the skills and resources needed in real-world situations.

All project staff, including subcontractors, owners' representatives, and owners, were urged to play a role in promoting safety across the project. This shared responsibility demonstrated the team's commitment to upholding a secure work environment, aligning with the company's core value of 'Protect My Family,' and highlighting the significance of prioritizing safety above all else.