WSP - Complex Bridges / Arch & Cable-Supported

WHIRLPOOL-RAPIDS INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE

FRANCIS SCOTT KEY BRIDGE

Client: Niagara Falls Bridge Commission Location: Niagara Falls, NY, USA/Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Core Services: Capital Planning, General Engineering Consulting Services, Annual Condition Inspections • The bridge was built in 1897 and carries both rail and vehicular traffic between Niagara Falls, New York and Niagara Falls, Ontario. The bridge carries two lanes of vehicular traffic on the lower deck and a single-track railroad line on the upper deck. The 1,078 ft (329 m) crossing consists of a 550 ft (167 m) two-hinged bi level main span truss arch flanked by bi-level eye-bar truss spans. The original double-track alignment on the upper deck was reduced to single-track in 1963. The main arch provides a vertical clearance of approximately 225 ft (68 m). • Under an 8-year General Engineering Services contract (2018-2025), WSP is performing biennial hands-on element level condition inspection of the bridge and annual interim inspections. Inspection includes ultrasonic phased array testing of truss pins. Other services include annual capital planning support and full level 1 load rating of all spans and structural roadway deck evaluations. Services also include design, construction support and construction inspection for miscellaneous structural steel repairs for the roadway and railroad bridge components, acoustic emission monitoring of truss pins, emergency retrofit to bypass a cracked truss pin, miscellaneous concrete work related to substructures, sidewalk repairs, bridge railing repairs and miscellaneous improvements to US and Canada inspection facilities.

Client: Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Location: Baltimore, Maryland Core Services: Deck Replacement Study, Structural Engineering Analysis & Design, Load Ratings & 3-D Modeling, Planning Services, Life-Cycle Cost Analysis • Steel arch through truss, opened in 1977, 4 traffic lanes on I-695 over the Patapsco River, main span 1,200 ft (366 m). • Deck replacement study for the main bridge and approach roadways that considered both partial-depth and full replacement alternatives. As part of the study, WSP also looked at raising the profile over the main channel to improve vertical clearance. • Performed a life-cycle cost analysis study. Investigated remaining service-life and developed repair/ rehabilitation program to maintain the bridge for 100 year life. Considered traffic projections and need for future added lanes. • Performed load rating analysis of the main span trusses, including evaluation of gusset plates. Updated load rating analysis based on in-situ live load test performed by others. • On March 26, 2024, the bridge collapsed after being struck by an aberrant cargo ship. Design and construction of a new crossing following the original alignment is underway. • Provided engineering support to MDTA for emergency response to collapse of the original FSK bridge, including demolition and removal. Providing interim GEC services to MDTA as part of rebuild program using PDB contractor.

24

Complex Bridges / Arch and Cable-Supported