Oldcastle Precast Supplies Precast Components for 15 Mile Creek Bridge Replacement
Wash., to replace the aging 15 Mile Creek Bridge, spanning a 60-foot deep canyon, that was wearing out. The intent of the project was to construct a new bridge using current
technology to replicate the appearance of the original bridge, an old arch bridge. The $9.4 million, I-84 Corridor, 15 Mile Creek Bridge and barrier replacement project is part of
Oregon Department of Transportation’s $1.3 billion State Bridge Delivery Program for highway improvements.
Oldcastle Precast -Spokane, Wash. was contracted by Wildish Standard Paving Company of Salem, Ore.,the general contractor, to manufacture and deliver twenty-six, 7 foot deep by 150 foot Bulb-Tee girders and forty-four, varying sized, curtain wall panels with an exterior “stacked stone” form liner finish to construct the 15 Mile Creek Bridge over Interstate 84 at MP 88.04. The long-span girder bridge was constructed using the Oldcastle Precast bridge bulb-tee girders which are precast, prestressed concrete girders used with a poured cast-in-place deck.
This type of bridge construction provides the benefits of rapid construction, improved safety for construction personnel and the public, and improved structural performance and durability.
A unique component of this bridge is the decorative panels suspended from the outside edge of the structure which are similar to those on other historic structures in the Columbia River Gorge. The precast curtain wall panels, with an exterior “stackedstone” design, were custom made and installed along the sides of the bridge girders to create the arch appearance. The concrete was stained at Oldcastle Precast-Spokane’s plant to mimic the color of the original stone. As can be seen from the photos, the result is a very attractive simulation of an old arch bridge.
In addition to the15 Mile Creek Bridge, Oldcastle Precast-Spokane supplied and delivered the precast concrete bridge components for the new Moffett Creek Bridge along Oregon’s I-84 Corridor, which was similar to this project.
Under the Oregon Department of Transportation’s $1.3 billion State Bridge Delivery Program for highway improvements, the ODOT developed the context-sensitive and sustainable solutions (CS3) decision-making framework for bridges. This approach combines the practices of context-sensitive design (Stimulate economy, Employ efficient and cost-effective delivery practices, Keep traffic moving, Take community needs, environment, and landscape into consideration, and Capitalize on funding opportunities) with the principles of sustainable design while improving transportation infrastructure and facilitating economic development. In other words, providing transportation infrastructure that preserves and enhances scenic, aesthetic, and historic value while improving infrastructure conditions.
A major test of the CS3 program involved the development of the Interstate 84 corridor strategy, which provided a framework for revamping infrastructure along a section of the interstate that passes through the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The bridge constructed over 15 Mile Creek and Moffett Creek were two of 16 bridges updated
as part of the strategy.
