Evans Crary Sr. Bridge Replacement

This project consisted of twin 65-foot tall fixed span bridges, 3,000 feet in length, 50 feet wide with 17-180 foot spans and a vertical clearance of 65 feet, crossing the St. Lucie River. Each twin structure consists of two travel lanes, a bicycle lane, and a 5' - 9' sidewalk. The original design called for the precast segmental erection to use balanced cantilever. However due to site conditions and a compressed construction schedule, a value engineering change proposal (VECP) was submitted to and accepted by the owner changing the method of erection to span-by-span. As a result, the project set the record for the longest span-by-span construction in the Western Hemisphere.   Coordination on this project included DEP, USFW and the USCG.

Site conditions for this project included difficult soils for pile driving and shallow areas on each bank that required extensive falsework to move segments from barges to final locations.  PCL completed extensive inspection of all grouted tendons and anchors and found no rework was necessary.  The phased foundation construction allowed the superstructure erection to begin sooner, thus reducing the schedule.

All demolished bridge material was used to create an off shore reef, stacked over 60' high to provide a great environment for marine habitat.

The PCL proposal demonstrated “outstanding value-engineering achievements in teamwork, cost savings, streamlined construction sequencing and reduction of schedule resulting in an overall improved project.” The PCL redesign saved FDOT over $700,000 and 90 calendar days. In recognition of our achievement, PCL and FDOT received the 1999 AASHTO National Value Engineering Award for the most innovative proposal during construction.  This bridge also won the 2001 FTBA Major Bridge Award.