Milton-Madison Bridge Milton, KY | Madison, IN
Since 1929, the original Milton-Madison Bridge served as a vital link and source of pride for the communities of Milton, KY and Madison, IN
Historical, Yet Functionally Obsolete
The structure, originally designed for the occasional Model-A Ford, had seen its burden grow to more than 10,000 modern vehicles per day, including semi-trailer trucks loaded at full capacity. It was a historically-significant, but aging and functionally obsolete, and in need of replacement.
Builder of Choice
In 2010, the Walsh design-build team was awarded the project based on the utilization of an accelerated bridge replacement method that would provide an innovative, cost-effective design and construction solution on North America's longest lateral bridge slide, with only 10 days of closure.
The Walsh design-build team utilized a new truss design featuring a "floating floor" system of steel roadway support stringers which expand and contract independently of the main truss superstructure.
Key Construction Elements
Signature activities included truss segment preassembly, float-in, strand lifting, explosive demolition of the existing truss, and eventually the lateral sliding of the completed bridge after the widening of existing pier caps.
Aesthetically, the new truss pays homage to its predecessor, yet features minimal portal bracing for an open feel.
Key Construction Elements
During phasing activities, sections of the 7,200 ton truss superstructure were being preassembled on barges for the eventual float-in and strand lifting onto temporary piers, which were constructed adjacent to each existing pier stem.
The temporary pier caps featured a key design element – the “sliding girders” – which would serve as the pathway for the record-breaking truss slide.
Record-Breaking Truss Slide
The 1/2-mile long completed bridge, weighing more than 16,000 tons, was moved 55' laterally into place atop the refurbished and widened pier stems of the existing bridge.
Walsh was also named the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources' "Cooperator of the Year" for its support of KDFWR's Peregrine Falcon Program. Walsh installed a permanent nesting location on the new bridge for a pair of peregrine falcons, which had first taken up residence on the bridge in 2002.
The new Milton-Madison Bridge resulted in a graceful, modern structure that meets infrastructure design and construction standards while connecting the communities via a timeless link across the Ohio River.
