The New Tacoma Narrows Suspension Bridge Introductory Project Information

by Thomas Spoth, P.E.,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Structures Congress 2005: Metropolis and Beyond

Abstract:

On September 25, 2002, Notice-to-Proceed for a design-build agreement was issued by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), directing Tacoma Narrows Constructors (TNC), a 50/50 Joint Venture of Bechtel Corporation and Peter Kiewit and Sons, to design and construct a new parallel suspension bridge approximately 55m south of the existing bridge. The new 1,646m long Tacoma Narrows Suspension Bridge, with a main span of 854m and side spans of 366m and 427m, is currently under construction in Washington State. It will carry three eastbound lanes of traffic eastbound on highway SR-16 between Tacoma and Gig Harbor. When completed, the new bridge will be the first major suspension bridge in the world to be constructed under a design-build contracting arrangement. The two 154m reinforced concrete towers will be founded on massive reinforced concrete and steel gravity caissons of open-dredge construction. Gravity anchorages on the hillsides of the Narrows will serve to secure the suspension cables. The superstructure consists of 7.2m deep continuous welded trusses with an integral orthotropic steel deck. Allowances have been made in the bridge design to accommodate a future lower roadway or LRT system. The project schedule includes a fast-track design in order to conform to the overall project delivery schedule of 55 months.

Subject Headings: Suspension bridges | Bridge design | Reinforced concrete | Cables | Steel decks | Steel construction | Scheduling | Washington | United States | Tacoma

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