Acrow Bridge Provides Truss System for Use During Rehabilitation of Historically Significant Bridge in Northern California

Structure allows for continued flow of traffic over the Smith River

(Parsippany, New Jersey) – 27 July 2016 – Acrow Bridge, a leading international bridge engineering and supply company, has recently completed the installation of a modular steel structure to maintain traffic flow during the renovation of the 68-year-old George E. Tryon Bridge over the south fork of the Smith River near Hiouchi, California. The bridge had been found functionally obsolete at inspection, with a deteriorating lead-based paint matrix.

The rehabilitation project involves replacing the existing 206’ x 24’ steel arch bridge with an aesthetically similar concrete arch span 231’ x 32’4”. The additional width will eliminate one-lane sections of the roadway and allow room for bicycles and pedestrians along with significant tourist traffic.

Initial bids were over budget, and Acrow collaborated with Flatiron Construction who, acting as the CM/GC, value engineered a hanging formwork truss bridge outside the existing steel structure. The Acrow structures utilized were two 155’ clear spans, 9’ out-to-out.

The job posed numerous difficulties, including restricted staging areas at the site. Additionally, the bridge is located on the very steep, rocky banks of a 60’-deep environmentally sensitive gorge, and the area is home to threatened and endangered wildlife species. Because the adjacent land is owned by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the U.S. Forest Service and private individuals, multiple-agency coordination was necessary.

“This was a challenging job, but ultimately very rewarding” said Jack Arizcuren, Pacific States Sales Manager at Acrow. Added Bill Killeen, President and CEO of Acrow Bridge, “This project is a great example of how Acrow systems can provide creative solutions to difficult situations and provide value to contractors and government agencies alike. Acrow structures are a great choice when it’s critical that projects stay on, or ahead of schedule and within budget.”

About Acrow Bridge
Acrow Bridge has been serving the transportation and construction industries for more than 60 years with a full line of modular steel bridging solutions for vehicle, rail, vessel, military and pedestrian use. Acrow’s extensive international presence includes its leadership in the development and implementation of bridge infrastructure projects in over 80 countries, covering Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.acrow.com.

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