North Hero-Grand Isle Draw Bridge Emergency Superstructure Repairs - 2008

ECI’s Client: Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans)

Completion Date: Winter 2008

Subcontractors: Vermont Protective Coatings (Lead Paint Removal)

ECI was selected as the contractor for this emergency repair on the 1950’s North Hero – Grand Isle Draw Bridge.  The structure consists of a double leaf bascule girder draw bridge with a total draw span of 130 feet.  The floor beams, diaphragms, and metal decking were all in poor condition that required an emergency repair.  Traffic had been diverted to a temporary Mabey bridge over the bascule span to take load off the bridge.   The work needed to be performed during the winter months to allow for completion in mid-March so the draw bridge function could operate in April.  The draw bridge is critical to navigation through the popular recreational boat passage.

ECI’s scope of work included:

• Replacement of floor beams, diaphragms, and decking with new galvanized members (all metal provided by VTrans for the original replacement plan).

• Numerous miscellaneous repairs to the superstructure beyond the original scope of work that were discovered upon removal of the decking (ECI provided and fabricated all metals for extra work).

• Repairs to the bascule locking mechanisms.

• Removal of lead paint as necessary for the work.

• Dismantling and removal of the Mabey bridge (owned by VTrans).