The south approach gantry crew completed installing southbound main lane spans on the new Harbor Bridge in February. The precast yard is casting about seven main span/delta frame segments per week, while work on other joint pier segments has been delayed because of safety concerns. Courtesy photo
Four design issues concerning construction of the new Harbor Bridge have been resolved, according to the Texas Department of Transportation and an update from project developer Flatiron/Dragados that was presented to the Corpus Christi City Council on March 7.
One unresolved issue concerns joint pier segments, which would link to main span segments on the bridge, allowing them to react to weather conditions by contracting or expanding. An independent analysis stated that the existing joint pier segment design could permit an uplift from wind conditions that might rearrange the load.
TxDOT Corpus Christi District engineer Valente Olivarez Jr. indicated that TxDOT engineers; the agency’s independent consultant, Systra International Bridge Technologies; and Arup-CFC, Flatiron/Dragados’ engineer of record continue to seek a mutual solution. The remaining matter could be settled within weeks, they said.
Flatiron/Dragados spokesperson Lynn Allison advised the council that work on pre-cast bridge segments would finish up this summer, and road construction on bridge approaches continues on a seven-day, round-the-clock schedule with work nearly complete.
The new bridge is projected for completion in the first half of 2025.
chuck@thepicayune.com
