Elwha River Bridge

Clallam County, WA, USA

2004-2007

Project Engineer for the Elwha River Bridge replacement for the Clallam County Public Works Department, near Port Angeles, Washington State, USA.  Under the direction of a Senior Project Manager, responsible for the design and coordination of the replacement of this historic register listed bridge with a project value of $20M. The new structure consists of a 560-ft (170m) long cast-in-place balanced cantilever bridge with a footbridge suspended beneath the deck.

Worked with public design committee to determine which bridge alternatives to study. Performed conceptual design of three bridge alternatives, including a concrete arch, cast-in-place balanced cantilever box girder, and long-span precast concrete girders, to minimize impacts to this environmentally-sensitive site. Studied various method of providing an on-site river crossing for a major regional trail facility, including suspending a pedestrian bridge beneath the vehicular bridge. Performed load rating of existing historic steel truss bridge. Determined cost estimates and created comparative analysis of the three bridge alternatives. Assisted with writing of type, size, and location study report; determined likely bridge demolition and construction scenarios to obtain permits. Monitored and assisted with final design of the balanced cantilever cast-in-place post-tensioned concrete box girder bridge and performed design of pedestrian bridge structure. Coordinated civil design tasks.

The project won the following awards:

  • “Best in State” Silver Award for social, economic, and sustainable design considerations: American Council of Engineering Companies (2011)
  • Award of Excellence – Director’s Award: Federal Highway Administration and Washington State Department of Transportation (2010)
  • National Public Works Project of the Year: American Public Works Association (2011)

Client: Clallam County, Washington, USA
Engineer and Architect: BergerABAM
Images: BergerABAM, Clallam County Roads Division

Click here to read an article in ASPIRE magazine about the bridge.

Video courtesy of BergerABAM, photos courtesy of Clallam County Roads Division.