Reconstruction of BNSF Bridge 0477-109.70

A testament to collaboration, trust and technical excellence, the restoration of BNSF Bridge 0477-109.70, a critical rail bridge over Interstate 25 in Pueblo, Colorado, was delivered in just nine weeks.

Design and Construction

BNSF Railway and the Colorado Department of Transportation entrusted HNTB to lead design and development plans for a 90-foot skewed, plate girder bridge over north bound I-25 between the existing pier and abutment 1, performing design for new bridge bearings and supports.

HNTB also served as Construction Manager, overseeing construction activities at the site. The firm prepared the daily and weekly reports that were used by BNSF and CDOT to track progress of the work. In addition, during the fabrication of the new span, HNTB provided engineering support and served as a Quality Assurance manager.

Innovative Delivery

The new span was first fully assembled and tested off-site. The structure was then disassembled and reassembled in a yard near the bridge site. During a short, 11-hour road closure, a Self-Propelled Modular Transporter (SPMT) was then used to erect the span into place. Reopened to rail traffic, the first train crossed the bridge in approximately two months since its initial closure.