Brent Spence Bridge

completed using a balanced cantilever method on the river piers which allowed the shipping channel to remain free of additional falsework.

Historic Project Look back

The Brent Spence Bridge, located in the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky metropolitan area, is a double-decker, cantilevered truss bridge, that spans the Ohio River, carrying interstates 71 and 75 with more than 160,000 vehicles crossing each day. Named after Congressman Brent Spence, Kentucky’s longest-serving congressman at the time, it was constructed by American Bridge (AB) in 1963 and remains a vital transportation link for the region. However, the construction of this iconic bridge was not without its challenges.

The bridge’s location was one of the biggest challenges AB faced during the construction. The bridge had to be built on the Ohio River, which required careful planning and coordination to ensure the safety of workers and materials. The river also presented logistical challenges for transporting materials to the site.

The AB engineering team designed and utilized a cantilever construction method to overcome these challenges in order to build the bridge. This involved constructing each end of the bridge and then joining them in the middle.The construction was

Another challenge AB faced during the construction of the Brent Spence Bridge, was the design of the bridge itself. The bridge design completed by Modjeski and Masters, had to be designed to accommodate a large amount of traffic, while also being strong enough to withstand the forces of nature. The design of the Bridge incorporated innovative engineering techniques, such as posttensioning to strengthen the bridge’s structure, and enhance its durability. Post-tensioning is a technique that involves applying tension to steel cables or bars after they have been embedded in concrete. This technique was used to reinforce the bridge’s concrete deck, which helped to increase its strength and reduce the likelihood of cracking.

The Brent Spence Bridge was also one of the first bridges of its kind to use a composite steel and concrete deck. This type of deck consists of steel beams and a concrete slab connected to form a single, integrated unit. The steel beams provide the structural support for the deck, while the concrete slab serves as the driving surface for vehicles.

Using a composite steel and concrete deck presented several challenges for the AB team during the bridge’s construction. For example, the steel beams had to be accurately positioned to ensure that they would properly support the concrete deck. Additionally, the concrete had to be poured and cured correctly to ensure it would bond properly to the steel beams and remain durable over time.

Despite many challenges, American Bridge successfully constructed the Brent Spence Bridge on schedule. The bridge opened to traffic in November 1963 and has since become an iconic structure for the region, and nationally as an example of the country’s infrastructure needs. Over the years, the bridge has required several repairs and renovations to maintain its safety and functionality. A new $3.6 Billion bridge will be constructed alongside the original, utilizing funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

Despite the planned construction of a new bridge, the original Brent Spence Bridge remains an essential piece of infrastructure for the region. Its composite steel and concrete deck, posttensioning, and innovative engineering techniques, are a testament to American Bridge’s expertise and capabilities.

On Nov. 11, 2020, a trucking accident on the Brent Spence Bridge caused a fire that damaged the bridge’s upper deck floor system steel, drainage, deck, barriers, electrical components and the lower deck’s overlay. The bridge reopened just 41 days after the accident, with the project finishing under budget and ahead of schedule.

The bridge has played a crucial role in connecting two states and supporting economic growth, and it will continue to do so for many years to come.

The Brent Spence Bridge was also one of the first bridges of its kind to use a composite steel and concrete deck.

The construction industry observed Safety Week 2023 on May 1-5. This year’s theme was “Strong Voices, Safe Choices.”

Throughout the week, discussions occurred across Southland and American Bridge staff and craft, with the goal of maintaining a strong safety culture through open and honest dialogue. Safety is the foundation of our “Protect My Family” culture, and is fundamental to ensuring everyone goes home safely every day. Leaders and workers must back each other up and make Safe Choices.

meet the DIRECTORS

As the safety directors for Southland, these gentlemen work tirelessly with our teams to educate, mentor, recognize, and oversee all aspects of our safety programs.

DAN

Safety Director, 25 years of experience in the industry, and 17 years with SLND.

Email Dan: dyanes@ southlandholdings.com

Safety Director, 22 years of experience in the industry and 18 years with SLND.

Email Jesse: Jesse@ southlandholdings.com

Safety Director, 19 years of industry experience and 9 years with SLND.

Email Justin: chogan@ southlandholdings.com

Safety Director, 24 Years experience and 6 years with SLND.

Email Quinn: QBurgess@ southlandholdings.com

Safety Director, 20 Years experience, and 3 Years with AB.

Email Shaun: SBurke@ americanbridge.net