International Partnership Day

 An SPMT is used for transporting massive structures that are too large or heavy for normal trucks  The SPMT consists of more than 300 wheels that can be individually be controlled

 Allows for prefabrication of bridge deck offsite and away from traffic  Reduces traffic disruptions  Improves work zone safety  Improves quality and constructability  Increases contractor options

 The Maryland Avenue bridge was replaced using innovative construction methods that would reduce overall length of closures  The two deck spans were built at a staging area that was located on the west side of the I-35E roadway  Once the spans, abutments and piers were completed, the spans were moved into position using the SMPT  Both spans were in place by the end of one day

 Benefits ◦ Shorter construction time: Maryland bridge reduced construction closure time from 100 days to 60 days ◦ Increased work zone safety: by using technology that allows building the bridge deck and superstructure alongside the highway rather than around traffic ◦ Reduced congestion: achieved performance goals of reducing congestion due to construction and enhancing safety and user satisfaction

 The previous Highway 61 Bridge spanning the Mississippi River in Hastings in 1950 and was in need of replacement to accommodate larger traffic volumes  The main bridge span was built at the project’s Flint Hills Preserve staging area and later lifted from it’s shoring towers and moved down to the river by the SPMT and placed on a flotilla of barges  The main span floated down the river and moved into a pre-lift location  Finally, the main span was connected to hydraulic stand jacks and lifted approx. 50 feet

 Benefits ◦ Minimizes traffic disruption to motorists and keeps the old bridge largely open traffic ◦ Increases work zone safety by using technology that allows building the bridge deck and superstructure alongside the river rather than open water ◦ Improves quality of life for Hastings residents ◦ Once the project is completed, the bridge will be the longest free-standing tied-arch bridge in North America