DESCRIPTION
I-69 Over Tributary to Indian Creek, Structure 9
30′ Span x 11′ Rise Versa™ Single Radius
When designing the new I-69 extension through Southern Indiana, URS needed a solution to carry the highway over a wide valley and a relatively small stream. With over 1,500 feet from top of bank to top of bank and 90 feet from stream bed to top of road elevation, a significant bridge would have been required to span the valley.
Instead, URS found that a 30’ span x 11’ rise buried arch would meet all hydraulic requirements. PreTek Group proposed a precast concrete solution to carry the stream under 76’ of earth embankment. This solution offered significant savings over the conventional bridge alternative.
In addition to the initial cost savings, the buried bridge provides other benefits. Up to 120,000 sf of future bridge deck maintenance is eliminated. Safety and ride quality are improved with elimination of the elevated deck and approach slabs. In addition, the embankment protects the stream from salt and de-icing chemicals applied to the road surface.