This design-build of a new vertical lift bridge between Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Kittery, Maine. The project included demolition of the existing bridge, rebuilding and strengthening the existing granite-faced unreinforced concrete piers, and construction of three truss sections that each span 300 feet. The main bridge spans employ a unique “gussettless” Warren Truss using cold-bent plate girders. The 300-foot lift span is driven by electric motors mounted under the lift span and connected by a longitudinal shaft.

The Isabel Holmes bridge is an important feature of North Carolina’s transportation network and provides the necessary link between the City of Wilmington, Leland and the surrounding communities. PCL’s Special Projects division was awarded a bridge preservation contract, which included structural, mechanical, electrical, architectural and utility improvements, while ensuring minimal disruptions to the traveling public. As an expert contractor in movable bridges, PCL’s team worked closely with the Department of Transportation and the designer to optimize traffic control plans allowing for daily, full-traffic access to the bridge while construction continued.

PCL also used our solution provider mentality to solve the challenges that arose such as the installation of submarine cable. While the cable was only permitted to be installed in two months, outside of an in-water Atlantic sturgeon work moratorium, the team revised the layout of the cable in order to minimize the material lead time as well as the time allotted to complete the work within this critical schedule.

With over 30,000 work hours performed, PCL’s team allowed for the safe and reliable movement of people and goods throughout the entire construction process, providing the communities of North Carolina a sturdy, dependable bridge for years to come. 

Cianbro is replacing Bridge 8, a historic double-leaf bascule bridge that carries U.S. Route 2 over Lake Champlain between the towns of North Hero and Grand Isle. Bridge 8 is the only vehicular movable bridge in the State of Vermont and will be replaced on a new foundation, with a similar aesthetic and the same draw width as the existing bridge built in 1953 that is being replaced. The project’s purpose is to ensure safe passage by providing a structurally stable roadway for the traveling public. Specifically, the project involves the replacement of the existing bridge along with associated roadway improvements and incidental items. Consistent with the existing bridge structure, the new bridge will provide an 80+ foot wide navigation channel with 10 feet of clearance in the closed position (ordinary high water) and unlimited vertical clearance when open.

Due to the excessive traffic detour distance, it has been determined that a temporary bridge will be established during construction of the new bridge. The temporary bridge (single leaf bascule) will provide two lanes of vehicular traffic and will have a 40-foot wide navigation channel. In the closed position, the under clearance will be 10 feet (ordinary high water).