Originally expected to be completed this summer, the replacement Oglethorpe Bridge over the Flint River is now poised to open in the fall. The $33 million Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) project in Albany has been under construction for more than a year but was forced to shut down due to mandatory environmental sweeps and the relocation of more than 2,300 freshwater mussels.
“An Atlanta environmental company came in and removed them,” Ricky Willis, president of Southern Concrete Construction Company, told Construction Equipment Guide. “Two or three divers would come in and swim all day. We couldn't do anything in or over the water during that time.”
Southern Concrete Construction photo
Leaking hydraulic fluid from a piece of equipment and falling pieces of concrete are among the environmental hazards on a construction site that can kill organisms in the river. As part of the recovery effort, the mussels were placed in mesh bags before being moved to a safe habitat. A total of 238 were tagged as protected species, recorded and relocated upstream.
“Working over water, you have to deal with more environmental things,” said Willis. “We had problems getting to the river, because we couldn't clear the trees, due to the bats. We had to wait until the breeding season was over. There were also alligator snapping turtles that had to be run off.”
According to Willis, the river's high water levels set workers back about four weeks. During the sweeps, crews were able to work on some of the demolition of the old bridge over land. That structure eventually came down, without incident.
The new bridge replaces the former bridge on SR 520BU/U.S. 82BU. The upgrade will add wider lanes, gutters and a barrier-separated shared-use path.
Built during the Eisenhower administration, the 73-year old crossing was designed for lighter vehicles and was no longer able to safely handle traffic volume. It's unknown foundation also faced severe risks from river water erosion.
The new concrete girder bridge consists of four 107-ft. spans and two 150-ft. spans. It requires roughly 2,800 cu. yds. of concrete and 890,000 lbs. of rebar.
As the head of a heavy highway construction firm specializing in the construction, repair and rehab of bridges and other highway drainage structures, Willis knows the importance of having experienced subcontractors on site.
“Keller North America did a great job putting in the drill shaft. It's 72 inches in diameter, 60 feet in the ground and supports the whole bridge. Also, Oxford Construction Company has done an excellent job when it comes to the paving, curb and gutter and storm drain work.”
Heavy equipment on the job has included a drilling rig; two KOBELCO CK2000 cranes; a Terex HC-110 crane; two Komatsu 360 excavators; and two rubber tire 310 John Deere backhoes. In addition, two Komatsu PC78s with MK 60 concrete breakers were used to demo the old bridge.
Southern Concrete Construction photo
During construction, a detour is in place between South Front Street and College Drive. Non-local traffic uses U.S. 82/U.S. 19/SR 133/SR 3 and SR 91.
“Construction has really caused gridlock around dinner time, and I know motorists are ready for this to be finished”, said Willis. “We're working hard to do that.”
Unfortunately, the hot weather remains an issue for workers at the job site.
“We have crews working at night to beat the heat,” said Willis. “They have bottled water and little fans in their hardhats, and they take breaks whenever they need to.
“We're also about to get into a lot of dirt work. If the rain comes in, it will affect a lot of what needs to be done.”
Overall construction is expected to be finished by the end of November. For Willis, whose father helped found Southern Concrete in 1960, it's an honor to carry on the tradition of hard work.
“We feel privileged to be able to build this bridge. The pleasure of looking back at the job you've done is very fulfilling.”
