February 19, 2026 1:00 pm

Kevin Lindell, P.E., State Bridge Engineer, DelDOT
Nicholas Dean, P.E., Project Engineer, DelDOT

Presentation begins: 06:23
Q&A begins: 45:33

Documents:
Intro & News Slides: Intro & News February 2026
Presentation Slides: Blackbird Creek Presentation Slides
DelDOT Supporting Documents:
Blackbird Creek Project - Proposal
Blackbird Creek Bridge Plans
UHPC_Standard Specifications

Link to DelDOT's Bridge Design Competition Information:
https://deldot.gov/Programs/BridgeDesignComp/index.shtml

Description:
For years, DelDOT has been committed to innovation and accelerated bridge construction. This project is a culmination of all those efforts. US 13 is 4-lane divided highway and Minor Arterial with a projected Average Annual Daily Traffic of 13,500 vehicles in each direction. To minimize extended traffic disruptions, DelDOT opted to employ ABC techniques in lieu of conventional methods to replace the twin bridges during 45-day closures. The new bridges are comprised entirely of precast elements: 120’-0” deck bulb tee beams; stub abutments; prestressed piles; approach, sleeper, and moment slabs; and T-walls. To ensure proper connection between precast elements, Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) was utilized. To accommodate the heavily accelerated construction timeline, Foamed Glass Aggregate was chosen as a backfill. When implemented properly, ABC techniques greatly decrease construction times, increase commuter and work zone safety, and minimize user costs. By utilizing these ABC techniques, Bridge 1-488S and Bridge 1-488N were opened in 43 calendar days and 37 calendar days, respectively.

Presenters:

Kevin Lindell, P.E.
State Bridge Engineer
Delaware Department of Transportation – Bridge

Kevin has over 22 years of experience with the Delaware Department of Transportation. After earning his B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Delaware in 2003, he spent 13 years in Bridge Design as a designer and project manager. He later served as an Area Engineer in DelDOT’s Construction Group, administering major bridge and roadway projects. In 2022, he became Bridge Maintenance & Construction Engineer, overseeing statewide preservation and rehabilitation efforts. In 2025, Kevin was promoted to Chief of Bridges & Structures, managing DelDOT’s inventory of 1,800 bridges, overhead sign structures, and 35 state‑owned dams.

Nicholas Dean, P.E., M.C.E.
Project Engineer
Delaware Department of Transportation – Bridge Design

Nicholas Dean is a Project Engineer for the Delaware Department of Transportation in Bridge Design and has acted as the lead designer for numerous replacement and rehabilitation projects. Nick’s concentration is in the areas of accelerated bridge construction techniques and innovative materials. This focus has helped Delaware to deliver creative solutions to difficult bridge replacement projects. In addition to his design projects, Nick has helped to develop a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) outreach program to teach Delaware students of all ages about civil engineering concepts through presentations, career fairs, and hands-on activities. Nick received his Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree in 2010 and his Master of Civil Engineering degree in 2018 from the University of Delaware.

Presentation Photos/Graphics:

1) Precast abutment segment being set into place