Lessons Learned from an Emergency Bridge Replacement Project
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 132, Issue 4
Abstract
The terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, and subsequent potential threats to U.S. transportation systems have presented an urgent need to develop emergency response plans to quickly react to the possible consequences of extreme events. Extreme events include terrorist attack as well as man-made and natural disasters such as explosions, fires, floods, and earthquakes. The objective of this research was to identify strategies and technologies to quickly restore the use of highway bridges, a critical component of the nation’s transportation network, in case they are damaged or destroyed by extreme events. One of the tasks associated with this research was to conduct case studies of previous bridge replacements following extreme events. By studying these cases, the research team sought to identify and expand on lessons learned, address which actions did and did not work well given the circumstances of the incident, and incorporate lessons into the emergency response plan for highway bridges. This paper presents the findings from one of the case studies, the I-40 Webbers Falls Bridge in Oklahoma.
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Acknowledgments
The writers would like to thank Mr. Gregory Allen, Mr. George Raymond, and Mr. Bob Rusch of ODOT, Mr. Jim Poe of Gilbert Central Construction, Inc., and Mr. Tim Purkeypile of Poe & Associates for their vital input and cooperation during the case study. A special thanks goes to the state DOTs who provided financial support and guidelines for this research project. These DOTs are Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas.
References
“Cherokee Nation, ODOT pledge cooperation on I-40 bridge.” (2002). Cherokee Nation News Release, ⟨http://www.cherokee.org/NewsArchives/News2002Page.asp?ID=532⟩ (Apr. 30, 2003).
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). (2002). “Accelerated bridge repairs: Meeting the challenge in Oklahoma.” FOCUS, ⟨http://www.tfhrc.gov/focus/aug02/01.htm⟩ (Mar. 22, 2003).
Greiner, J. (2002). “Work begins on damaged I-40 bridge.” NewsOK.com, ⟨http://www.newsok.com/cgi-bin/show_article?ID=870300&pic=none&TP=getcc⟩ (Mar. 26, 2003).
Illia, T. (2002). “Oklahoma to rebuild barge-battered I-40 bridge.” ENR, ⟨http://www.construction.com/NewsCenter/Headlines/ENR/20020617a.asp⟩ (Mar. 22, 2003).
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(ODOT). (2002). “I-40 bridge update: Day 29 of 57 construction days.” Public Information, Oklahoma Department of Transportation ⟨http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/public-info/i40bridge-press/july_10_Update.htm⟩ (Mar. 26, 2003).
“Oklahoma speeds to replace span following barge collision.” ENR, ⟨http://www.construction.com/NewsCenter/Headlines/ENR/20020603a.asp⟩ (Mar. 22, 2003).
Stidger, R. W. (2002). “Downed I-40 bridge opened in just 47 days.” Better Roads, ⟨http://www.betterroads.com/articles/nov02c.htm⟩ (Mar. 22, 2003).
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 132 • Issue 4 • April 2006
Pages: 338 - 344
Copyright
© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: May 10, 2004
Accepted: Jun 15, 2005
Published online: Apr 1, 2006
Published in print: Apr 2006
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