DESIGN-BUILD REPLACEMENT OF I-95 NORTHBOUND VIADUCT

Steere provided bridge design, right-of-way, and peer review services for the design-build replacement of the complex Interstate 95 Northbound Viaduct Interchange in Providence, RI. Steere performed all bridge design for the replacement of the Smith Street Bridge over Interstate 95 NB/SB, replacement of the Atwells Avenue On-Ramp over Ramp BC-BD, and preservation of the Atwells Avenue Bridge over Interstate 95 NB/SB. The project utilized a number of Early Release for Fabrication and Construction packages to accelerate procurement and construction of elements with long lead times and/or construction durations.

The Smith Street Bridge consists of a two-span continuous curved plate girder superstructure supported on a new soldier pile abutment, new spread footing pier, and rehabilitated abutment. The bridge includes several streetscape elements including oversized sidewalks, ornamental fencing, and plaza areas with ornamental GFRP pylons. Staged construction was utilized to accommodate two lanes of traffic on Smith Street for the duration of construction. Additionally, 800-feet of soldier pile retaining wall was constructed adjacent to the bridge to widen the corridor and accommodate a new Collector-Distributor roadway.

The Atwells Avenue On-Ramp consists of a single span plate girder superstructure supported on a reconstructed wall converted into an abutment and a new pile supported abutment. To allow for maintenance of traffic on the existing ramp bridge during construction, the ramp was re-aligned from the Base Technical Concept which allowed the bridge and ramp to be constructed offline, which accelerated construction. Straight girders were supplemented with a flared kicker beam to accommodate the roadway curvature. Multi-rotational disc bearings were used to guide movements and handle rotations. A back-to-back MSE embankment with barrier supported on moment slabs carry the roadway down to proposed C-D roadway (Exit 23) grade.

The Atwells Avenue Bridge Preservation work consisted of strip seal deck joint replacement, deck and substructure concrete repairs, steel girder and cross-frame repairs, and cleaning and painting steel. Staged construction was utilized to maintain two lanes of traffic on Atwells Avenue throughout the duration of construction. Steere performed a number of construction inspections to delineate repairs and resolve field issues. All preservation work was completed within the accelerated construction schedule required by the Contract.

Location: Providence, RI

Owner: Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT)

Timeline: Design Completed in 2021; Construction Completed in 2025 (Estimated)