Friday, February 18, 2011

Inverset Units from the Central Artery


Today I went up to Littleton MA to check dimensions on inverset units for a bridge that we are designing in Conway MA. The inverset units were used during the "Big Dig" while the Central Artery was being demolished. The units were designed to be re-used after the project in small bridges across Massachusetts.

The units we were looking at consists of three sections that will be assembled to complete the bridge much like double T's showing up at the site.

The project site in Conway is somewhat of a rural area, so it will be great to see these units reduce the construction time and labor at the site.
Bald Eagle out in Conway MA
Existing bridge in Conway to be replaced
This also reminded me of something I saw the other day showing abandoned projects that were to meant to be part of the green way were the Central Artery once was. I completely agree with most of the projects being abandoned but I wish the YMCA had been given a chance since it would have improved the North Station area greatly.
Lard in Littleton MA where some of the Inverset Units are stored for later use
Back to inverset units tho. These units will allow Massachusetts to quickly improve their infrastructure greatly by replacing small deteriorated structures throughout the state. Hopefully the Accelerated Bridge program at MassDOT will realize the full potential of these units before the units themselves deteriorate.

57 degrees out and still have snow up to our knees

1 comment:

Jeremy said...

Linked to this post from a google search about Inverset Panel modifications. My employer participated in acquiring some of these panels off the Central Artery back in the day. We have two bridges and a few culvert size structures that have utilized 32' and 28' panels in their superstructures here in WNY. Currently working on a culvert project where we will cut the panels to the length we want and cast new integral backwalls under the remaining ends before they are erected at the site.