T-782 over Zimmerman Creek

Location

T-782 over Zimmerman Creek, Pine Township, Lycoming County, PA

Project Type

Bridge Construction

Construction Cost

$698,786

Owner

Lycoming County

Description

LDG performed complete design services, including structural and highway engineering, field survey, and construction consultation and inspection for this project.

Setting

The existing one lane bridge was structurally deficient and functionally obsolete with a bridge weight limit of 6 tons. Three alternative alignments were investigated for this replacement. The proposed alignment provided the safest roadway geometry, the least approach roadway work, the shortest overall bridge span, and it moved the structure away from the confluence with Hugh’s Run. The new bridge is a 105 foot, single span composite prestressed concrete spread box beam bridge accommodating two lanes of traffic. The new bridge carries legal loads and includes current bridge and roadway safety features.

Key Considerations

Environmental studies and public coordination were key factors contributing to the success of this project. The crossing was moved from Texas Creek to a new location on Zimmerman Creek above the confluence with Hugh’s Run where the two streams join to form Texas Creek. The new alignment avoided environmentally sensitive resources and received strong public support.

Outcome

Construction was completed on September 1, 2004. Approximately 3 weeks later, severe flooding from the remnants of the Ivan Hurricane struck the area. Severe damage to the channel banks occurred upstream of the new structure; however, the bridge withstood the flood and remained open for emergency operations. The damage to the banks has been restored but brings to question the ability of the previous structure to have withstood the flood. This factor demonstrates the importance of the project to the local community not only for routine travel conditions but also during times of emergency.