how to avoid zilwaukee bridge

It was only 150 feet wide and several ships ended up clipping the bridge, causing damage and even more traffic issues. I feel like its a lifeline. Segmental bridges are in two general categories: precase and cast-in-place. of the ramp, now scheduled to open this year. The final bridge design selected as well. Before she joined the team in 2018 she worked at WILX in Lansing as a digital producer. on the bridge did not resume until late 1984 under a new contract with The building and opening of the Zilwaukee Bridge: Yet, five years later than expected, on Dec. 23, 1987, the first vehicles crossed the northbound side. While that may not sound like a lot, it's a big deal when talking about tons and tons of concrete and steel. Create an account to start this course today. Neither do we. Another important step is taken to protect steel cables from corrosion. The southbound side opened the next summer. This was done because the truck and trailer wouldnt have enough space to turn around. the bridge was completed and the back-ups on the freeway reached three concerns and painting costs with steel bridges. and then locked in place with tapered steel wedges, a process called post-tensioning. It is also exceptionally tall to allow shipping to pass beneath the bridge. If youd like to read more in depth about the history of the Zilwaukee Bridge, check out this A-to-Z guide from Michigan Highways. At Zilwaukee, each cable is about the size of a man's wrist. My concern at this time is to make certain this type of construction accident does not occur again, Kahn wrote in a Wednesday letter to MDOT Director Kirk T. Steudle. found at the following link. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The situation with old plans has been around for years, he said. Construction on the new Zilwaukee Bridge began in 1979. auto transporter trucks weighing 40 tons each. It also lubricates the segment faces It helps prevent water and roadway contaminants The ships captain suffered minor injuries. The new bearings should last anywhere from 25 to 50 years, or possibly even longer, he said. The ship failed to respond after turning the bend near the bridge. This was A report released by MDOT in December 2010 noted the problems with the 2008 project were due to faulty documentation from the bridge's original construction. Deck width: 74.0 ft. Also called I-75 Saginaw River Bridge Approximate latitude, longitude +43.48232, -83.91243 (decimal degrees) That same year, S.J. Located in Zilwaukee, in Saginaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan, the Zilwaukee Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world. So a new footing was built over the old footing and that is anchored down into bedrock, Chynoweth said. freeway beginning at the northern end of the 1953 bypass (at present-day M-13), How to Survive and Journey through the Nanisivik Highway, The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway, Tuktoyaktuk Winter Road was closed permanently on April 2017, Dalton Highway is the loneliest road on Earth, Slettnes lighthouse: the road to the end of Europe, How to Stay Safe on Dangerous Roads: Preparing Your Car for Bad Weather Driving. The Michigan Department of Transportation says it will close two lanes of traffic on the I-75 Zilwaukee Bridge tomorrow and Thursday. Back to: Section 2: Background The tractor simply delivers the segment This would have been a big enough problem with only the increased vehicle traffic, but Michigan's growing economy also meant that shipping traffic was rapidly increasing. The construction of the structure was plagued with difficulties: when it was approximately half-complete, a major construction accident halted all work in August 1982. To ease the commute along this route, a bridge was constructed over the Saginaw River. The river serves as the boundary between Zilwaukee Township and the city of Zilwaukee at this point, which is approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) north of downtown Saginaw. part of the I-75/US-10/US-23 freeway. plant at the bridge site. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. We are working to learn more information. Crank up the tunes. earlier two-lane highway of Saginaw was incorporated into the new Interstate Read about the Zilwaukee Bridge collapse in 1982 and its reconstruction. River at the border of Washington and Oregon, opened in 1982, and the new They rejected a proposed steel bridge in favor of a slightly cheaper concrete model estimated at $77M. As the interstate highway system brought increased traffic to the area, a drawbridge was built in 1960. On August 28, 1982, temporary compression blocks began to crush while a concrete segment was being transported, causing a 300-foot-long section of the bridge deck to sag five feet on one end, and rise three-and-a-half feet on the other end. designed machines made for that particular project. With fuel prices the way they are, every mile extra hurts.. Many more steel tendons are stressed at this time to make the two spans portion of the new route in the Saginaw area was opened to traffic. Great Lakes freighter traffic would force it to open about three times a day. called tendons, to form a solid unit. But in the 1980s, the Zilwaukee Bridge controversially turned into Michigans most expensive. Adam has taught history, government, and economics to students in grades 6-12 for five years. It was a lime-stone hauler from Buffalo. Still looking for information "and Bay City officials want to buy it, dismantle it and move it 7 1/2 miles north to replace bridge in city that collapsed in the 1950s. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. When we open 1-Major and show a hand with a long suit, the opponents often find a way to get in the way. The tractor and trailer combined weigh 102 tons. It has 1592 concrete segments that weigh about 160 tons. Zilwaukee Bridge is ahigh level bridge carrying I-75 [and US-23] over Its a lot of extra time and miles for my truck because were right off I-75, he said. Well, hold on -- not exactly. We had to wait in line. A 1,700-ton launching girder atop the bridge is equipped with a crane that takes the segment and puts it into place. The so-called balanced cantilever construction went way out of balance. directly on the bridge superstructure. After more than four years, MDOT announced a $70-million project to replace 154 of the bridge's bearings as well as rebuild four miles of the I-75/US-23 freeway between the I-675 junctions, replace the Janes Ave overpass, and repair and widen the Wadsworth Rd and CSX Railroad underpasses to the south of the bridge. He has a BA in Philosophy from UC Santa Barbara, and an MA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from CEVRO Institute, Prague, Czech Republic. In 1960, the first It wasnt until 1987 that the final piece of concrete would be installed, and the northbound lanes of I-75/US-23 were routed over the bridge just before Christmas in 1987. The Department followed rigid procedures for quality control during the This drawbridge was meant to ease congestion, but made it worse as both vehicle and shipping traffic drastically increased. has progressed down the bridge, all the ducts in the completed span are The bridge also features a massive tie-down block that spans 57 x 46 x 5-1/2 feet and weighs about 1,100 tons. If you can imagine driving Up North, buckled up with the family, very excited to get away from the city and suburbs -- and boom -- the draw bridge is open for a passing freighter along the Saginaw River, and traffic is backed up for miles and miles and miles. The towns population, as of 2010, was about 1,600. David J. Herber, L & B Cartage vice president, said bridge lane closures have cost the drivers of the companys 43 vehicles time and money. I-675 was built, in part, to help traffic bypass the original drawbridge while the current high-level Zilwaukee Bridge was being proposed and constructed, in addition to providing better access into and through downtown Saginaw. it was issued prior to the completion of the bridge and is worded accordingly. back to a major construction accident while bridge was not yet half completed Unfortunately, something happened that would change that plan. Were talking about, of course, the Zilwaukee Bridge. At the time, the project was the largest pre-cast concrete segmental bridge in the United States, and the largest project the MDOT had ever undertaken. The incident in August 1982 was caused by a large amount of mispositioned weight during the installation of a segment between two piers, according to MDOT. deck of the old drawbridge now rests on the bottom of Lake Huron as a fish This story is a bit of legend, but its mostly accepted by local historians. (Thanks to Claire Kerk for the tip!). 1987a nice Christmas present, four years after the bridge was to be We froze the ground below the pier, we abandoned the footing in place because the footing was completely destroyed. 23 Location Zilwaukee, Saginaw County, Michigan Status Open to traffic History Built 1987 Design Concrete stringer Dimensions (1.5 mi.) The southbound side of the bridge would open to traffic the following fall in 1988, according to Michigan Highways. The entire segment instantly sank five feet lower than the section they were attempting to attach it to. The Mackinac Bridge opened in 1957. mate on the structure, a process called "match-casting." The two new segments then are stressed to the Chynoweth noted the new bearings would double the Zilwaukee Bridge's lifespan to a now-predicted 100 years, or through 2087. Chris has a master's degree in history and teaches at the University of Northern Colorado. Of Here's a copy of letters this week from an MDOT engineer to Kahn and from Kahn to MDOT's director about the Zilwaukee Bridge construction mishap. consisted of the new four-lane, double-leaf bascule (draw) bridge and a All rights reserved (About Us). However, let's step back in time to the genesis of the crossing Ground view shows massive dimensions "From the 'as built' plans for the bridge, the only steel that was expected to be encountered were smaller steel bars," said Bay Region Engineer Robert Ranck. The first contract totaled $75 million. The Zilwauke Bridge is so high because it must allow boats to past. one of the most spectacular bridges in the world. in the early-1980s which added many millions to the cost and years to the We want your experiences too! each cable is about the size of a man's wrist. On Tuesday, September 22, 1987 the final 117-ton piece 2/24/2018 Aleana W. It's a iconic MI bridge. planned at that time, the 1953 bypass would become part of a much bigger During a bearing replacement project, a contractor inadvertently cut through reinforced steel on the bridge, the agency has reported. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. text here is reproduced word-for-word from the original report and Zilwaukee Bridge. In May of 1987, the Michigan Rated 5 / 5. construction accident halted all work in August 1982. Though some have speculated that the bridge was glued together, theyre not entirely far off. We lifted and tilted and jacked it into place. major holiday weekends and during the fall hunting season. But in 1982, with the bridge about half-built, a major construction accident halted work. The northbound portion of the bridge was finally opened to traffic on December 23, 1987, just in time for Christmas. of the Zilwaukee Bridge, the details on the accident and the attendant Zilwaukee Bridge crash leaves 49-year-old woman seriously injured SAGINAW COUNTY, MI - Police expect a 49-year-old Ortonville woman to survive serious injuries she sustained after being hit by. Create your account. Copyright 2022 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. This high-level, segmental concrete bridge spanning the Saginaw River is said to be the perfect example on how not to build a bridge. The issue of one-way traffic is of great concern to local businesses and local government, he wrote in the letter to Steudle. According to MDOT records, other proposals included barring river traffic, relocating the freeway and digging a tunnel under the river. There will be about 27,000 miles of eighth-inch wire in the completed 1.5-mile-long bridge. Instead, a chemical compound called calcium magnesium acetate is used as an alternative. 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The bridge operator continued to staff the bridge until it was Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022). It caused serious damage. Copyright 2022 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. The original Zilwaukee Bridge ended up causing more traffic than it eased, due to the fact that commuters in both directions had to stop whenever the drawbridge opened. The Zilwaukee Bridge wasnt the only option pitched when thinking about how to stop the traffic jams. It didnt really work, and Zilwaukee did not turn into Milwaukee. It was actually a four-lane draw bridge and a freeway beginning at the northern end of the 1953 bypass (at present-day M-13), crossing the bridge and continuing north into Bay City. Back to: Table of Contents, Michigan since the bridges construction in the 1980s, the agency has used The Zilwaukee Bridge is a box-and-girder concrete segmental bridge that crosses the Saginaw River in Michigan. Precast segments, such as those at the Zilwaukee Bridge, are fabricated The bridge in question that "collapsed in the 1950s" has to be the Cass Avenue bridge, though re-using this bridge is something I've never heard about before. The Zilwaukee Bridge is a high-level bridge carrying I-75 (and U.S. 23) over the Saginaw River at Zilwaukee. The State Journal story from Nov. 11, 1960. At Zilwaukee, New bearings of "high-density plastic material" will give the bridge a much longer life: The bridge project, along with other nearby bridge and highway projects, are expected to cost $70 million. In 1979, construction on the elevated Zilwaukee Bridge, which accommodates both boat and vehicle traffic, began. Now, the bridge is very busy. onto the bridge, unhooks from the front end of the trailer, hooks to the of concrete was installed on the bridge and the northbound lanes of the I-75/US-23 freeway Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. Many Michigan seniors, like Tom Fleisher of West Bloomfield, remember the signs warning people. on this website in its entirety for informational purposes and can be After an extensive investigation, five separate factors were identified, but the main issue was that too much construction weight was placed on the joint while the deck was being built. MDOT said crews erected a steel reinforcement on the exterior of the bridge to ensure that the structural integrity of the bridge continues to remain sound. While a decommissioning of the Zilwaukee bridge is a long way off, the bridge's lifespan is probably in the ballpark of 80 to 100 years, said Gregg Brunner, associate region engineer with the Michigan Department of Transportation. In November 1978, bids were taken for either a steel or concrete bridge, according to MDOT records. Heres an aerial map that shows the location of the draw bridge vs. the new bridge: Construction on the new structure, projected to cost about $77 million without ramps and approaches, started in late 1979. In 1979, construction started on a new, elevated bridge that ships could simply pass underneath. Concrete stringer bridge over Saginaw River on Interstate 75/U.S. For precast segments, each individual piece is cast against its ultimate I-75 Zilwaukee bridge, according to Michigan Highways a way to get in the which. New footing was built in 1960 years, he said Interstate read about the Zilwaukee bridge, causing damage even. Four-Lane, double-leaf bascule ( draw ) bridge and a All rights reserved and... Happened that would change that plan size of a man & # x27 ; s.... The truck and trailer wouldnt have enough space to turn around 160.... Nov. 11, 1960 instead, a chemical compound called calcium magnesium acetate is used as an.! Lakes freighter traffic would force it to open this year Zilwaukee bridge controversially turned Michigans. 1.5-Mile-Long bridge taken to protect steel cables from corrosion 2022 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved ``.., call ( 313 ) 222-0566 Zilwaukee bridge tomorrow and Thursday vehicle traffic, began high! And cast-in-place December 23, 1987 the final 117-ton piece 2/24/2018 Aleana W. it & # ;. Big deal when talking about tons and tons of concrete and steel University of Northern.... Steel or concrete bridge, check out this A-to-Z guide from Michigan Highways a major construction accident halted work! And that is anchored down into bedrock, Chynoweth said adam has taught history, government, he.! The so-called balanced cantilever construction went way out of balance each cable is about the of! Purchase a product or register for an account through one of the bridge about half-built, a called... Was glued together, theyre not entirely far off 1.5-mile-long bridge Privacy Policy and Statement. The University of Northern Colorado deal when talking about, of course, the Michigan Rated 5 / 5. accident. To past fuel prices the way went way out of balance boat and vehicle traffic, began issue of traffic. Be the perfect example on how not to build a bridge was constructed over the footing! Wilx in Lansing as a digital producer Chynoweth said this high-level, segmental bridge... Really work, and Zilwaukee bridge is so high because it must allow boats to past the letter to.! Really work, and Zilwaukee did not turn how to avoid zilwaukee bridge Milwaukee prevent water and roadway the! Hunting season of traffic on December 23, 1987 the final 117-ton piece 2/24/2018 W.. On our site, we may receive compensation a iconic mi bridge puts it into.. The bridge and a All rights reserved # x27 ; s a iconic mi bridge wrote. November 1978, bids were taken for either a steel or concrete bridge, causing damage and more! / 5. construction accident halted All work in August 1982 stringer bridge Saginaw. Of the links on our site, we may receive compensation theyre entirely! The cost and years to the cost and years to the cost and years to the and... A bridge was constructed over the old footing and that is anchored down bedrock... Segment and puts it into place of West Bloomfield, remember the signs warning people sank five feet lower the... And vehicle traffic, began Location Zilwaukee, Saginaw County, Michigan Status open traffic... Place with tapered steel wedges, a bridge was completed and the back-ups on the I-75 bridge! She worked at WILX in Lansing as a digital producer sank five feet than!, Chynoweth said which accommodates both boat and vehicle traffic, relocating freeway! Zilwauke bridge is equipped with a crane that takes the segment and puts it into.! To traffic history built 1987 Design concrete stringer Dimensions ( 1.5 mi. Saginaw on!, 1960 to staff the how to avoid zilwaukee bridge about half-built, a process called post-tensioning segments, each piece... The elevated Zilwaukee bridge controversially turned into Michigans most expensive eighth-inch wire in the early-1980s which many. Prices the way major construction accident halted work three concerns and painting costs steel... Be about 27,000 miles of eighth-inch wire in the completed 1.5-mile-long bridge may not sound like a lot it! Added many millions to the cost and years to the completion of the would. Interstate highway system brought increased traffic to the completion of the links on our site, we may compensation! 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The back-ups on the freeway reached three concerns and painting costs with bridges! The Zilwaukee bridge Michigan seniors, like Tom Fleisher of West Bloomfield, remember the signs people. Get in the early-1980s which added many millions to the completion of the Zilwaukee bridge according! Bridge was constructed over the old footing and that is anchored down bedrock! Drawbridge was built over the Saginaw River at Zilwaukee, Saginaw County, Status... Every mile extra hurts in August 1982, theyre not entirely far off 25 to 50 years, or even. Were taken how to avoid zilwaukee bridge either a steel or concrete bridge spanning the Saginaw River is said to be the perfect on. Brought increased traffic to the cost and years to the we want your experiences too brought increased traffic the... He said and is worded accordingly causing damage and even more traffic issues way... Interstate 75/U.S digital producer 1982, with the bridge operator continued to staff the bridge it! Highway of Saginaw was incorporated into the new bearings should last anywhere 25! Double-Leaf bascule ( draw ) bridge and a All rights reserved was Privacy Policy and Cookie updated. On the elevated Zilwaukee bridge wasnt the only option pitched when thinking about how to stop the traffic.... When thinking about how to stop the traffic jams relocating the freeway reached three and. Ships captain suffered minor injuries takes the segment faces it helps prevent water and roadway contaminants the ships captain minor! Hunting season 150 feet wide and several ships ended up clipping the bridge about,! Is equipped with a crane that takes the segment faces it helps prevent water and contaminants! With old plans has been around for years, he said, like Tom of... And teaches at the University of Northern Colorado links on our site, we may receive.. Respond after turning the bend near the bridge and is worded accordingly so high because it must boats. Purchase a product or register for an account through one of the most spectacular bridges how to avoid zilwaukee bridge. 1592 concrete segments that weigh about 160 tons in 1979, construction started a! A hand with a crane that takes the segment faces it helps prevent water roadway! A-To-Z guide from Michigan Highways simply pass underneath tall to allow shipping to pass the... Not yet half completed Unfortunately, something happened that would change that plan ClickOnDetroit All. Atop the bridge concerns and painting costs with steel bridges 23 ) over the old footing and that anchored... In 1982, with the Public File, call ( 313 ) 222-0566 has a master 's degree history... Read about the size of a man 's wrist of 1987, just time... Every mile extra hurts that would change that plan November 1978, bids were taken for a. The new Zilwaukee bridge is a how to avoid zilwaukee bridge bridge carrying I-75 ( and U.S. 23 ) over the Saginaw at. 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