Project Description

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The new I-90 Dresbach Bridge demonstrates how a concrete segmental solution creates a beautiful, efficient, long-span bridge while being built in sensitive environmental conditions, through harsh winter weather, at the same time achieving a new record span length for Minnesota. Its concrete segmental superstructures, with custom pier shapes, achieve context sensitive, signature designs while being economical and delivered ahead-of schedule. This innovative concrete segmental bridge solution met or exceeded all of Minnesota DOT’s project vision, criteria, and goals for this new Mississippi River crossing.

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The New Dresbach Bridge has wide shoulders providing ample space and is designed to exceed current structural and geometric standards. The new, modern, and ecologically conscious four-lane bridge features twin concrete segmental variable-depth box superstructures that vary in width between approximately 66’ and 45’. Over the main channel of the Mississippi River, the new four-span bridge consists of twin, post tensioned concrete segmental structures with record-setting dual 508’ main spans (longest concrete span in Minnesota), built from above with form travelers in balanced cantilever. Construction was kept to the smallest footprint to protect the environment, adjacent recreational facilities, and USCOE Lock and Dam No. 7 just upstream. The dual 508-foot-long main spans resulted in only one pier near the main channel of the river and provide a commercial navigation opening larger than the minimum required by the U.S. Coast Guard.

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Aspire Bridge Magazine Article: The Dresbach Bridge - A Bridge Springs Forth From Nature

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Our Role

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Jason Hatcher worked with construction engineer Finley Engineering Group, performing a constructability review of the main span pier tables, and supervised the development of the construction drawings.

Location

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Spanning the Mississippi River between

La Crescent, Minneapolis and

La Crosse, Wisconsin

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Owner

 

Minnesota Department of Transportation

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Contractor

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Ames Construction

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Designer

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FIGG

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Construction Engineer

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Finley Engineering Group

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Total Contract Value

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$81.5 Million

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Timeline

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2013 - 2016

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Construction Method

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Four-span bridge featuring twin, post-
tensioned segmental cast-in-place concrete structures with two 508-ft-long main spans,
built from above with form travelers in
balanced cantilever.

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