PROJECT OVERVIEW
RHS Consulting Design, LLC provided final design services for the replacement of Bridge No. 03240 on Route 69 over the Mad River in Wolcott, Connecticut, as part of CTDOT’s Bridge Rehabilitation Program. The project addressed a structurally deficient bridge by replacing the existing superstructure with a wider and longer bridge designed to improve roadway safety, shoulder width, drainage, and hydraulic capacity. The design incorporated Accelerated Bridge Construction techniques, including precast bridge units, precast pile caps, micropile foundations, precast approach slabs, and high-early-strength concrete closure pours to reduce construction duration and traffic disruption.
The project also included roadway reconstruction, HMA overlay, pavement markings, drainage improvements, intersection grading, utility relocation, detour planning, load rating, shop drawing review, and design services during construction. RHS supported the project from final design through construction coordination, helping deliver a safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting bridge improvement for Route 69 and the traveling public.
PROJECT DETAILS
- Project Name REPLACEMENT OF BRIDGE NO. 03240
- Client Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT)
- Category Bridge, Engineering
- Delivery Mode Bridge Rehabilitation Program
- Location WOLCOTT, CT
- Year Built 2021
OUR MISSION
CHALLANGE
The design utilized Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) techniques, featuring a full replacement with Precast Bridge Units (PBUs) supported on precast pile caps set on micropiles behind the existing abutments. Each PBU included two steel girders composite with an 8½-inch deck slab and integrated backwalls to expedite construction. Units were joined with high-early-strength concrete closure pours, including abutment segments and precast approach slabs. The project scope also included full-depth pavement reconstruction, HMA overlay, pavement markings, drainage installation, intersection grading, utility relocation, and a comprehensive detour plan. The bridge was designed for AASHTO HL-93 live loads, with plans developed in MicroStation within the CTDOT Digital Design Environment and load rating completed using the LRFR method in AASHTOWare. RHS also reviewed shop drawings and provided design services during construction, enabling a two-month closure with detoured traffic along Route 322 in Summer 2021.
RHS Consulting Design prepared final design plans, specifications, cost estimates, load rating documentation, and construction-phase design support services. The team also reviewed shop drawings and supported design coordination during construction to help address field conditions, contractor questions, and project documentation requirements. This involvement helped maintain design intent, construction quality, and project efficiency from final design through completion.
OUR SOLUTIONS
The successful delivery of this project reflects RHS Consulting Design’s ability to support complex bridge replacement projects that require structural engineering expertise, roadway design coordination, accelerated construction methods, and practical construction-phase support. Through careful planning, technical accuracy, and coordination with CTDOT and project stakeholders, RHS helped deliver a safer, wider, and more resilient bridge structure for the Town of Wolcott and the traveling public.
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