National Award Winner—Reconstructed Bridge

When building a new bridge proved too costly, steel’s ability to be retrofitted provided the economical solution. Aside from localized deterioration, the steel superstructure on the RFK Manhattan approach ramps was in good structural condition but did not meet modern seismic requirements. Because of the bridge’s importance as an evacuation route, the steel superstructure was retrofitted to include a seismic isolation system, thus extending the useful life of the bridge dramatically.

“Floating a new superstructure above the existing bridge was a solution that only could be provided by steel. Doing so saved the owner hundreds of millions of dollars while creating a lifeline bridge that would function in the event of a natural disaster,” said Amber Blanchard, PE, Minnesota Department of Transportation, a judge in the competition.