Oregon Bridge Pier Project for Hamilton Construction

Construction Solutions provided Hamilton Construction with the equipment design-build, onsite support and operator training for the construction of the bridge over Haynes Inlet estuary on US 101. Hamilton Construction of Springfield Oregon was awarded the contract to build the new bridge. This project required the construction of a four-lane bridge.

In order to maintain traffic flow, one half of the four-lane bridge required being constructed alongside the existing bridge. Upon completion of half of the new bridge, two-way traffic was diverted onto the new section. This allowed the old bridge to be demolished, making way for the completion of the remaining half. The old bridge piers were located in a navigable estuary requiring the removal of the piers at the mud line. All debris had to be removed from the estuary.

Construction Solutions was contracted to provide a method of work allowing Hamilton Construction to utilize the wire-sawing equipment that they owned. Construction Solutions engineered a method of work that did not require the use of divers. It had been decided that the eight to 10 knot tidal flow and the 12 to 15 foot tides would make the use of divers difficult. Construction Solutions designed a device that was lowered over the existing pier containing wire control pulleys and diamond wire to the required depth. It was then clamped to the pier that was being removed. This allowed wire sawing to be conducted above water on a work barge moored near the pier being removed. The specially designed pulley structure was then removed with the pier after it was cut free from the foundation at the mud line. Construction Solutions was also contracted to provide onsite training and support until contractor personnel were comfortable with the operations and procedures of the equipment. A total of six piers were removed which required four days of cutting.