National Award Winner—Medium Span

A short construction season, harsh weather conditions and super heavy loads were just a few of the challenges the Colville River Nigliq design team had to overcome. The bridge, situated on Alaska’s remote north slope, provides daily transportation access for trucks carrying thousands of barrels of oil.

“This bridge is an engineering feat,” said Michael Culmo, PE, CME Engineering, a judge in the competition. “Launching a girder system is hard enough in ideal conditions but to do so under extreme conditions is an accomplishment to be lauded. The use of steel bents in this harsh environment is a testament to the versatility of steel.”

“This project proves that innovative steel bridges know no boundaries,” added Frank Russo, PE, PhD, Michael Baker International, also a judge in the competition. “From shipping the bridge in boxes to building the all steel super- and substructure in extreme cold, steel proves once again it's the right solution for all challenges.”