On Thursday evening, March 10, 2022, an over-height tractor trailer, which had become separated from its escort vehicle, was traveling in the center lane of U.S. Route 206 Southbound (SB) and struck Turnpike Bridge No. 53.28B. Ramp traffic was immediately diverted until the bridge could be inspected and deemed safe, creating extensive backups and ultimately forcing the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (the Authority) to close Interchange 7. Four of the eight girders in the bridge span over Route 206 SB were found severely damaged as a result of the impact. Although the structure was stable, the impact significantly rotated a portion of the fascia girder’s bottom flange downward and reduced the vertical clearance, prompting New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to close Route 206 SB.
HNTB’s inspection and design staff quickly mobilized and worked diligently with the Authority, ATANE (the Authority’s construction supervision consultant), Ferreira Construction (the Authority’s contractor), and NJDOT to reopen Route 206 SB by Friday evening, March 11 (less than 24 hours from the incident). A cross-over and detour for the ramp traffic was designed and constructed by 5 p.m. Sunday, March 13, leading to the reopening of Interchange 7, less than 72 hours after the initial bridge strike. Once the Interchange was reopened, the Authority tasked HNTB to investigate repair and replacement options for the damaged bridge span. Within 48 hours, HNTB provided preliminary recommendations to the Authority for complete superstructure replacement for Span 2 using staged construction. This alternative presented the lowest risk to the Authority while extending the service life, reducing future maintenance costs and increasing the vertical clearance of the span.
HNTB recognized that supply chain issues and procurement of long-lead items would be factors when determining the recommended repair. HNTB worked closely with ATANE and Ferreira, as well as multiple fabricators and suppliers, to find readily available materials that could be used for this project, including the steel girders and elastomeric bearings. The Authority waived its standard phase submission requirements and permitted a modified design review process that allowed HNTB to rapidly size steel girders, bearings, and other elements so Ferreira could begin fabrication as soon as possible. Combining all of this with expedited shop drawing reviews, Ferreira’s procurement schedule was reduced from months to weeks.
From the initial incident through construction, HNTB, Ferreira and ATANE worked through procurement issues to provide the Authority with a new span that increased the vertical clearance. This collaboration made it possible to complete the emergency repairs and fully open the bridge to traffic on Friday, October 7 – a week ahead of schedule and over $1.5 million under budget.
Brian is a Senior Technical Advisor in HNTB’s Parsippany, New Jersey office with more than 27 years of experience in the design, construction, and project management of a wide variety of transportation-related structures. He has been involved in projects ranging from small bridge replacements for local municipalities to major capital improvement programs for Toll Agencies. Brian is currently the Structures Discipline Lead for HNTB’s General Consulting Engineer contract with the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and is responsible for developing Authority standards, engineering investigations, and advising the Authority’s Engineering department for the nation’s fourth largest toll agency. Brian is a licensed Professional Engineer in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and received his BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Lafayette College.
Bryan is a Senior Project Engineer in HNTB’s Parsippany, New Jersey office with more than 20 years of experience in the design, construction, and quality management of a wide variety of transportation-related projects. Bryan has been involved in projects ranging from resurfacing projects for local municipalities to major capital improvement programs for Toll Agencies. Bryan currently is working on HNTB’s General Consulting Engineer contract with the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and is responsible for developing Authority standards, engineering investigations, and advising the Authority’s Engineering department for the nation’s fourth largest toll agency. Bryan is a licensed Professional Engineer in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania and received his BS/MS in Civil Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis.
This year our holiday drive will benefit HomeFront NJ. HomeFront’s mission is to end homelessness in Central New Jersey by harnessing the caring, resources, and expertise of the community. They lessen the immediate pain of homelessness and help families become self-sufficient. They work to give their clients the skills and opportunities to ensure adequate incomes, and they work to increase the availability of adequate, affordable housing. They help homeless families advocate for themselves individually and collectively. Find out more on their website! https://www.homefrontnj.org/
Gift List Needs - Thanks so much for your interest in supporting our children for the holidays! In addition to toys and gifts for children, we also have a need for teen gifts, as well as some other family and adult items for the holidays.
Attendees will be eligible to receive 1 PDH (NJ, PA, and DE; check for eligibility in other states).
5:00 PM – Social Hour 6:00 PM – Dinner 6:45 PM – Meeting Sponsor Presentations 7:00 PM – Presentation 8:00 PM – Closing Remarks and Upcoming Event Announcements
Registrations changed after the registration closing deadline will be charged the Non-Member price.
For information on becoming a sponsor, please contact Richard Grubb at rgrubb@rgaincorporated.com.
Need Registration Help? Email Sara Irick, at sara.irick@fpaengineers.com.
ASHE SNJ is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization. Donations support our scholarship fund. Including the 2023 Scholarships, over $259,000 has been awarded to worthy students.
