The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission selected precast concrete segmental technology as the economical solution for spanning the Susquehanna River and a means of minimizing the time frame required for construction access in the river. This commercially non-navigable, but extremely wide river, is susceptible to winter ice floes and spring run-off, narrowing the effective construction window. Additionally, the bridge is located within sight of the Turnpike Commission Headquarters.

The project features twin structures, each 5,910’ long and was the first precast concrete segmental vehicular bridge in Pennsylvania. Each bridge is 57’ wide, allowing three lanes of traffic in each direction. The bridge was built using the span-by-span method of construction with delivery of the segments over the completed bridge. The bridge features 40 spans, each typically measuring 150’ in length.

Early in the design process, GM2’s Complex Bridge staff held a charette with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to select aesthetic features of the bridge. The Commission chose a sweeping superstructure shape on oval piers with an open barrier rail. Aesthetic lighting on the superstructure and vertical pier articulation were selected to enhance the slender appearance of the structure. Interaction with the owner created opportunities to include innovations during the design and bidding process. The Commission elected to provide construction drawings and use 3D integrated color drawings in the construction plan set. These practices were implemented to improve the contractor’s success and provide more competitive bid prices to the Commission.