Brattleboro Bridge (I-91)

Client: Vermont Agency of Transportation

Construction Cost: $60M

Key Facts:

  • $60 Million Design-Build Project
  • New 3-span arching bridge is 1,036’ long with 515’ main span
  • GM2 Complex Bridge staff provided design, community involvement and on-site CEI
  • Staged construction allowed the existing SB bridge to carry two traffic lanes while new bridge is constructed in the foot print of the old NB bridge.
  • Construction began in September 2013 and the new bridge opened to traffic in June 2017.

The I-91 Brattleboro Bridge Improvements Project, designed by GM2's Complex Bridge staff, includes the demolition of four existing bridges between Exits 2 and 3 and replacing the four bridges with new structures. New Bridge 8 carries I-91 over a local road using NEXT Beams. New Bridge 9 is a 3-span, 1,036-foot arching concrete bridge over the West River built utilizing balanced cantilever construction. Standing 100 feet above the scenic valley, the 515-foot main span forms an open gateway anchored by curving, cathedral piers. This postcard worthy bridge features viewing platforms for pedestrians, hikers and visitors at the base of each pier overlooking the West River and mountainous valley. True to its theme “A Bridge to Nature,” every detail of the uniquely-shaped superstructure, piers, viewing platforms, and the railings are complementary of the natural landscape. The concrete cantilever construction process off ered minimum impact when crossing busy Vermont Route 30, the West River, and popular West River Trail.

A Visual Quality Advisory Team consisting of VTrans, local Aesthetic Committee members, and GM2's Complex Bridge staff selected eco-friendly concrete stain colors, platform railing designs, and other aesthetic details. GM2's Complex Bridge staff designed the replacement bridges and provided design support and on-site construction engineering services to the contractor during construction.