Project Info:
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Role: Prime
Owner: Connecticut Department of Transportation
Client: Connecticut Department of Transportation
Construction Cost: $137,000,000
Services:
- Field Engineering and Inspection
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) has launched an extensive multi-modal transportation improvement program for the I-95 New Haven Harbor Crossing Corridor. A major component of the program is the replacement of the existing Pearl Harbor Memorial (Q) Bridge with a new, 10-lane, signature structure. The new structure will comprise 23 spans and measure more than 4,600 feet in length. The 525-foot main span will become one of the first extradosed, cable-stayed bridges in the country.
Due to its size and scale, construction of the new Q-Bridge was split into two contracts. Contract B for the full construction of the new bridge and Contract B1 for the construction of the bridge’s main span pier foundations and the I-95 northbound approach structures, which were constructed in advance of Contract B. Contract B1 was the second construction contract for this new bridge, after the horizontal directional drilling of twin Greater New Haven Water Pollution Control Authority (GNHWPCA) force mains. Lochner was selected to provide construction engineering and inspection services for all noted contracts.
Lochner is overseeing all aspects of construction in the $137 million B1 contract. Foundation construction included multi-span mainline and ramp approach structures and four main span foundations within the Quinnipiac River’s navigable waterway. Many of the approach girders are cruved to match the horizontal alignment of the roadway. Approach structures included ramps to I-95 Northbound from Route 34 Eastbound, I-91 Southbound and Wooster Street, as well as mainline I-95 Northbound connections to te new Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge. Foundations adjacent to the navigable waterway were constructed within marine enclosures with work performed from barges and work trestles.
The approach piers are founded on square precast prestressed concrete friction piles, 16-, 18- and 20-inch diameter and ranging from 90′-120′ long. The main span piers are founded on 8 foot drilled shafts ranging from 35- to 200-feet long with 10- to 30-foot rock sockets. The approach superstructures are all steel plate girders.
The contractor’s scope of work also encompassed local road reconstruction for Hamilton Street, East Street and Water Street located on the west short of the Quinnipic River and Forbes Avenue and Waterfront Street located on the east shore. Work included roadway, drainage, illumination and traffic signal improvements.
Environmental permits from CTDEEP, US Army Corps of Engineers, and US Coast Guard had special conditions and restrictions that were stricyly adhered to, especially for work in and around the river. Work included handling, transport and disposal of contaminated soils.
This project required coordination with multiple federal, state and local agencies; as well as with adjacent I-95 corridor project representatives. Construction took place from 2008-2011. Work under this contract was completed one month ahead of schedule and under budget. All project milestones were met or exceeded.