Bridge Slide

Garver helped Oklahoma motorists save time and money by implementing Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) methodology for the first time on a state bridge project. Garver provided preliminary engineering and final design services to replace the State Highway 51 Bridge over Cottonwood Creek in Creek County, Oklahoma. It was selected as a pilot project to evaluate the benefits of ABC techniques, which seeks to reduce construction time and impacts on traffic, among other benefits. After evaluating all factors, a transverse sliding/skidding bridge move was selected, which called for the new superstructure to be constructed on temporary supports adjacent to the existing structure. A track system and rollers then moved the bridge into position on top of piers and abutments, allowing the existing bridge to stay in service while the new bridge was constructed.