Project Description:  The existing structure was a single-span, single-lane steel structure built in 1910 spanning the Turtle Creek in the Town of Turtle, Rock County, WI. This project replaced the existing structure with a three-span slab span structure including a superelevated horizontal curve driving surface. This project improved sight distances in the area, expanded the width for two-way travel, and increased the weight capacity of the crossing. A vital crossing for the local farming community, emergency responders, and residents, this project is essential to this rural part of Rock County Wisconsin. It also included relocating the existing historic bridge to an offsite location in coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Wisconsin Historical Society. As a tribute to the existing steel structure, a portion of the existing west abutment was salvaged during demolition, and a plaque with commemorative information was installed as part of a Wisconsin historical marker.

Client: WisDOT

Location: Town of Turtle in Rock County, WI

Project Year: 2020

Lead Batterman Staff: Lead – Mike Wixom, Inspectors: Jack Wagner

Batterman Services: Construction Management, Materials Testing

Biggest Challenge and How it was Solved: During the construction of the west abutment, pier 1 and pier 2, bedrock was encountered at approximately 7-ft deep at the abutment and 2-ft deep at the piers. After working diligently with the WisDOT Southwest Region (SWR) staff, BOS, and the designer, it was determined that additional pre-boring was required to complete all three substructure units. All additional pre-boring work was complete within a timely manner adding less than two weeks to the entire project schedule.

Field Data: 415 CY Concrete Masonry Bridges, 72,480 lbs. Bar Steel Reinforcement, 390 LF Piling

Related Markets: Recreational/Transportation