Accelerated Bridge Construction Case Study: Bear Creek Bridge Slide

Dallas Area Rapid Transit operates buses, light rail, commuter rail and paratransit in Dallas and 12 surrounding North Texas cities, required double the capacity of a corridor between the Dallas/Tarrant County Line and the West Irving Station. The bridge over Bear Creek was a double-track steel superstructure on straddle bents using Accelerated Bridge Construction techniques. The original bridge had been in service since the beginning of the twentieth century. To accomplish this replacement, the new structure was founded on drilled piers outside the existing structure. Temporary bents were constructed from concrete and steel framing such that the superstructure could be constructed and slid into place during the closure window. Rollers and low friction pads were both considered as mechanisms for facilitating the bridge slide. Connection details between the columns and precast caps were coordinated with the contractor during construction. The construction during the 72-hour window was closely assessed for risk of meeting schedule and above all safety was paramount in the process. The last train passed over the old bridge at 11:07PM Friday, April 6, 2018.

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