This is our second featured project article, and we’re very happy to help spread the word about the I-75 Slide in Place Bridge. We spoke with Brian French, the P.E. Project Engineer, and Theresa Pollick, the Ohio Department of Transportation, District Two Public Information Officer, to learn more about this impressive construction endeavor.

The I-75 at US 6 Slide in Place Bridge project was the first of its kind in Ohio’s history. This project took out and replaced a major, interstate bridge over the course of just 62 hours. This was able to be accomplished in such a short period of time thanks to the contractor’s use of a method referred to as a “slide in” or “lateral slide” of the bridge. This method is quick, efficient, and reduces disruption to traffic.

The “Bridge Slide” was considered part of the Interstate 75 Widening Project from Perrysburg to Findlay, Ohio. Kokosing Construction Inc. was the primary contractor of this project. Arcadis, ODOT employees and local first responders also helped ensure the project went according to plan.

The contractor used four hydraulic jacks to move the 4.5-million-pound bridge into place. The process began in August 2014, when Kokosing Construction Company Inc. designed, fabricated and built the temporary structure to support the new bridge.

“It has taken a little over a year to complete the new bridge, permanent substructure and prep the roadway.  It took just one weekend to move the bridge,” said Area Engineer Brian French.

During the slide, ODOT kept all lanes of I-75 traffic open.  The weekend of the move did require the full closure of US Route 6.

Here’s a video that includes some of the major highlights of the project:

In December, the district plans on using the same method and applying it to the northbound Interstate 75 structure over US Route 6, which we think will be just as an impressive feat!

If you would like us to learn more about and feature your construction project, please contact us at bhanleyATeiffeltradingcompanyDOTcom. We’d love to write about what you have in the works!