East Hillcrest Road Over East Twin River
Manitowoc County
Sustainable Bridge Replacement
Following a piling failure in 2019, the existing single-span superstructure was removed, and the road was fully closed prior to initiating this replacement project. This project provided numerous opportunities for innovative problem-solving, especially concerning environmental and recreational considerations. The project team was tasked with designing a functional and safe structure while mitigating impacts on the federally regulated floodway and the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, a species protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
The project presented many unique challenges, including replacing a single-span structure with a three-span concrete haunched slab structure on an improved horizontal alignment. JT met these challenges head-on with innovative solutions. Multiple span arrangements were evaluated, and a larger bridge opening was ultimately chosen for better passage of the existing flows and the reduced potential for roadway overtopping.
In addition, the team worked closely with the WDNR to implement temporary kayak portages, ensuring that recreational usage was maintained during construction. Post-construction usage was also improved by adding signage on the piers for waterway users. WDNR coordination further mandated that navigational clearances be maintained with the new design, factoring into the structure type selection.
The project team developed and discussed several roadway profile alternatives to tackle the steep grade approaching the structure from the west, providing cost estimates for each and clearly delineating the federal funding participation and the locally funded portion. Their efforts resulted in the project’s successful and efficient delivery six months before the scheduled completion date. This allowed an earlier start for construction, opening the road to traffic sooner than planned and relieving road users of the lengthy closure following the 2019 failure.
JT coordinated extensively with the USFWS, WisDOT, and local authorities to mitigate the impact on the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee.
JT coordinated extensively with the USFWS, WisDOT, and local authorities to mitigate the impact on the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee.
JT successfully reduced environmental and infrastructural impacts by opting for a larger bridge opening and implementing temporary kayak portages for uninterrupted recreational usage.
