California project to use new FHWA innovations

Includes geosynthetic reinforced soil bridge system.

The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA’s) Central Federal Lands Highway Division has signed an agreement with the Tahoe Transportation District and six other agencies to deliver the Fanny Bridge community revitalization project in Tahoe City, Calif. The project will use the construction manager/general contractor delivery method, geosynthetic reinforced soil integrated bridge system¹ technology and roundabouts. The agreement allocates $25.5 million in Federal Lands Access Program money for construction in 2016.

¹Geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) integrated bridge system (IBS) technology uses alternating layers of compacted granular fill material and sheets of geosynthetic reinforcement to provide support for the bridge. GRS also provides a smooth transition from the bridge onto the roadway, and alleviates the “bump at the bridge” problem caused by uneven settlement between the bridge and approaching roadway. This technology also offers advantages in the construction of small bridges, including:

• Reduced construction time and cost, with costs reduced 25–60 percent from conventional construction methods.
• Easy to build with common equipment and materials, and easy to maintain because of fewer parts.
• Flexible design that is easily modified in the field for unforeseen site conditions, including unfavorable weather conditions.

Source: FHWA