Bridge Slide

An inside look at designing for Accelerated Bridge Construction

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.