The Ballston Quarter pedestrian bridge crossing Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, Virginia has been a community landmark for many years. When the owner decided to replace the bridge they wanted to create an iconic structure that would set it apart and had a daring architectural design prepared. Then they had to build it.
This is where Williams Steel Erection Co., Inc. comes in. The complex shape, large size, and location over a busy street in downtown Arlington are just some of the challenges that had to be overcome to build the structure. To make it happen, Williams Steel used innovative “accelerated bridge construction” methods that it has become known for.
First, the 145 ft long, 100 ton bridge was completely assembled about a quarter of a mile from the final location in Mosaic Park. The bridge was fabricated by Crystal Steel Fabricators in Memphis, Tennessee and shipped to Virginia in large, truck-sized pieces.
Next, the bridge was loaded onto, Williams Steel’s Goldhofer heavy haul trailer pulled by our Oshkosh M1040 prime mover and moved from the park to the final location. This operation involved significant coordination to close streets, move traffic lights and signs, and keep the public safe.
Finally, the bridge was hoisted into place using a 600 Ton capacity crane and set down on the piers.
Building the bridge structure using this method saved weeks to months of road closures on Wilson Boulevard and eliminated many of the safety risks associated with a partially completed structure being built over a road. When done properly by experienced professionals, this type of operation is much safer and simpler than traditional methods of construction over roadways.
The team at Williams Steel Erection Co., Inc. provides the resources and experience to complete this and other projects of similar complexity and standing. We are honored to be able to use these abilities to provide services that enhance our community and communities throughout the mid-Atlantic region.