Bridge building from years to weeks
We've posted about bridge construction before and how Hypertherm products are playing a part in the rebuilding of America's infrastructure.
Here's another example of how bridge building is changing. Instead of taking years or even months, a new construction method known as a lateral slide is making it possible to replace a bridge in just weeks.
Here’s how it works:
- Crews build a new foundation, bridge deck, and support beams underneath and next to the existing bridge
- They demolish the foundation and deck of the old bridge
- They slide the new bridge into place
This method is currently underway for the first time in Vermont, where the Vermont Agency of Transportation is overseeing a large project to replace two bridges about a half mile north of the junctions of Interstates 89 and 91.
This very cool time lapse video shows workers demolishing the old bridge and sliding the new bridge into place. All told, it took them 57 hours or less than 2 1/2 days.