Wider sidewalks opened along part of Interstate 37
The longest cable-stayed bridge in the United States is edging closer to completion as the Corpus Christi U.S. 181 Harbor Bridge project crossed the 69 percent mark.
Once the span is done sometime in 2024, the bridge will be the tallest point in South Texas as well as the longest of its type in the country. A cable-stayed bridge is similar to a suspension bridge, but the cables or stays supporting the structure run from the towers to the deck in a fan-like pattern. A suspension bridge uses vertical cables hung below main cables, which are anchored at both ends of the structure and run between towers.
The cost of the Harbor Bridge project is approximately $803 million.
As of July 16, crews had installed 68 of 98 spans on the south approach of the bridge, where the future southbound lanes connect a ramp linking southbound U.S. 181 to northbound Interstate 37.
A span is the segment, or length, of bridge from one pier to another, which makes up the superstructure. The superstructure is the weight-bearing part of the bridge that absorbs the load of vehicles traveling across it.
In order to place the spans, Texas Department of Transportation engineers used highly complex geometry to build an elaborate gantry bridge crane. This is an overhead crane that usually moves on wheels or a track/rail system.
Project officials reported that the construction team overcame hot, windy conditions to lift the spans that connect the bridge piers.
In addition, completely rebuilt northbound and southbound Interstate 37 sidewalks and frontage roads have been opened from Port Avenue to Nueces Bay Boulevard.
The new, wider sidewalks accommodate people with disabilities and provide greater pedestrian mobility. Built with a grassy median, they are connected to future bus routes and parks to encourage a walk-friendly community.
alecia@ccbiznews.com
