Project of the Year - Transportation (Tie)

In fall 2008, construction began for the replacement of the nearly 50-year-old College Avenue Bridge in Appleton, Wis.

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A major challenge during design and construction was the sheer height of the bridge deck above the water level. The bridge deck is 75 ft above the water.

On many bridges a small lift on a barge can be used to reach inaccessible construction areas. This was not a luxury available on this bridge.

Careful planning was done so the majority of the work could be installed from the bridge deck prior to forming the parapet walls.

One month prior to bridge completion, it was discovered that the pedestrian lights came with the wrong arms. The arms needed to be completely reconstructed, painted and installed prior to the bridge opening.

Within three weeks, the contractor had the new arms installed, a remarkable feat since the poles and accessories were custom ordered initially with more than a 12-week lead time.

The roadway fixtures are constructed of a concrete material with a cavity for the electrical cabling.

Key Players

Developer/Owner: Wisconsin Department of Transportation; City of Appleton, Wis.
GC: Edward Kraemer & Sons, Plain, Wis.
Architect: Omnni Associates, Appleton, Wis.
Civil Engineer: Omnni Associates, Appleton, Wis.
Structural & MEP Engineer: Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Madison, Wis.