The successful completion of the Jacksonville-area Sisters Creek Bridge replacement project has been selected for awards from both national and statewide industry groups.
The project for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Two was built by Archer Western (Walsh Group) and designed by RS&H. HNTB Corporation served as the state’s project oversight representative, providing construction, engineering and inspection services.
Awards earned for Sisters Creek Bridge replacement are:
- Design Build Institute of America – 2017 National Award of Merit, Transportation
- Florida Transportation Builders Award – Florida’s Best in Construction Major Bridge
- Construction Management Association of America Florida Chapter – Project Achievement Award
“The success of this project with its many challenges is a testament to a true partnership among FDOT, HNTB, RS&H and Archer Western,” HNTB associate vice-president Tom Woods said in a statement.
FDOT’s primary purpose for the bridge replacement was to improve access for hurricane evacuations for both vehicles going over the bridge and boats traveling underneath. The new bridge provides two 12-foot travel lanes, two 10-foot shoulders, and two 6-foot sidewalks on either side. The previously narrow channel underneath the old drawbridge has been extended to allow for 125 feet of horizontal clearance for marine vessels. In addition, the new bridge was specially designed to withstand possible ship impacts.
“Those that rely regularly on this crossing of the Intracoastal Waterway expressed resounding support for this bridge replacement,” said Greg Evans, FDOT District Two secretary. “The community now has a reliable means to get to and from their homes, a safe way to walk and bike across the bridge, and improved access to boat ramps and recreational areas. The bridge also eases congestion, speeds emergency response times and provides a dependable emergency evacuation route.”
The project site was notable for a series of environmental challenges, including a combination of salt marsh, tidal flow streams and many endangered species. The bridge was also constructed in a complicated geological area which required adaptive and creative construction methods, special material and beams and creative solutions for foundation problems. These challenges required innovative project management and extensive coordination between the designers, builders, inspectors and owner.