Minnesota DOT Utilizes New Technology to Cut Bridge Construction Time in Half

AASHTO Journal, 24 August 2012

With the help of some new technology, the Minnesota Department of Transportation was able to replace a bridge in half the time projected, moving up the entire project’s completion date.

MnDOT last weekend used a Self-Propelled Modular Transporter for the first time to move the Interstate 35E Bridge (or the Maryland Avenue Bridge) in St. Paul. The bridge was moved into position in two sections and was part of a pilot demonstration of the SPMT technology for MnDOT. A time-lapse video of the bridge move is posted online at bit.ly/MnDOTMD.

“Using technology like this improves quality of life in our state,” said MnDOT Commissioner Tom Sorel in a statement. “With traditional construction methods, the Maryland Bridge would have been closed for twice as long, nearly four months. Instead, the closure will be reduced to about 60 days.”

The use of the SPMT technology is just one example of innovation MnDOT expects to use in the near future.

“MnDOT works hard every day to be a global leader in transportation,” Sorel said. “Using innovative construction methods such as the technology on display this past weekend supports our vision and demonstrates our commitment to innovation.”

The bridge is expected to be open to traffic in mid-September after some additional work is done around the bridge.

Additional information on the I-35E Maryland Avenue Bridge is available at bit.ly/MDbridgeinfo.

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