October 14, 2021 1:00 pm
Stephanie Brandenberger, P.E., State Bridge Engineer, Montana Department of Transportation (MDT); Lenci Kappes, P.E., Ph.D., Innovations & Complex Structures Engineer, MDT; and Q&A panel members Bethany Kappes, P.E., Alternative Contracting Engineer, Bridge Reviewer, MDT; Ryan Paulsen, P.E., Project Manager, Construction, MDT; and Dustin Hirose, P.E., Engineer of Record, HDR
Webinar Documents:
Montana's ABC Clark Fork River Bridge Rehabilitation near Trout Creek - pdf of presentation
- Contract Plans - pdf
- Special Provisions - pdf
- Bid Tabs - pdf
Q&A Session - pdf
News - October 14, 2021 - pdf of presentation
Description: In 2020, the Montana Department of Transportation, along with partners HDR and Kiewit, rehabilitated the Clark Fork River Bridge near Trout Creek. The structure was originally constructed over the Noxon Reservoir in 1958 prior to the filling of the reservoir. The majority of the rehabilitation work on the 7-span, 1051-ft-long structure was completed in under six weeks. Montana Highway 200 was closed during this construction window, utilizing a 23-mile detour for local traffic, and implementing a larger multi-state alternative route effort for larger through traffic. Precast elements included full-width deck panels, with a unique cart delivery system specially designed to not over-stress the steel superstructure. This bridge rehabilitation was Montana's first Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) project. CM/GC played a key role in the project's success, enabling the contractors, engineers, and owners to design and construct a solution that navigated the complex requirements of the site location, bridge condition, and public outreach. The presentation includes design and construction details as well as lessons learned.
Presenters:
Stephanie Brandenberger, P.E.
State Bridge Engineer
Montana Department of Transportation
Email: stbrandenberger@mt.gov
Stephanie has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado and is a registered Professional Engineer in Montana. Early career experience included work with geotechnical and structural consulting firms in the northwest prior to joining the State of Montana. Her 25-year career at the Montana Department of Transportation has included bridge project engineering, development, and management for a variety of structures across the state. As Bridge Engineer she promotes innovative solutions and collaboration between design and construction team members for better outcomes to address Montana’s unique bridge and transportation needs.
Lenci Kappes, P.E., Ph.D.
Innovations & Complex Structures Engineer
Montana Department of Transportation
Email: lkappes@mt.gov
Lenci has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, an M.S., and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, all from Montana State University. In his current role, Lenci has worked on numerous bridge projects across the State of Montana, most notably an 840-ft-long curved steel structure over the South Fork of the Flathead River, as well as a 205-ft-long single-span steel structure over the Swan River. One of his favorite projects, partly due to his involvement in the CM/GC delivery method, was the Trout Creek Bridge over the Noxon Reservoir being discussed in this presentation.
Presentation Photos/Graphics:
1) Utilized a “Safe Span” for complete access and containment below the bridge
2) Deck panel production
3) Full-width deck panel placement
4) View of the Trout Creek Bridge over the Noxon Reservoir after project completion