Second Avenue Bridge
SSI was designated to validate the position of the new Second Avenue bridge, Michigan’s first network tied-arch bridge. “Network” refers to the numerous cables that are crossed from the top of the arch to the part of the structure supporting traffic. This structure was built in a skewed, unbraced network tied arch configuration allowing to omit a center pier support. The pierless structure is one of a kind and the first in Michigan.
It will accommodate the new freeway design, saving both time and money in the future. The newly designed Second Avenue Bridge is 245 feet long, 96.5 feet wide and 44.5 feet tall. It is almost the size of a football field, making it substantially larger than the former bridge structure. Due to its size and MDOT’s specifications the positioning must be exact to fit properly into the substructure.
SSI performed their own independent scan with a Riegl VZ400i terrestrial scanner of both the offsite superstructure and onsite substructure units. This scan was necessary to make sure the bridge could accurately and efficiently be transported by the self-propelled mobile transporters into the correct position. These transporters work in sync by remote control designed to withstand the 1,100 tons weight of this bridge.
The scanned data SSI collected was registered and processed using our RiSCAN PRO point cloud processing software. The resultant point cloud helped SSI virtually place the offsite as-built superstructure securely into position. This prepared MDOT and their contractors for any adjustments/modifications needed. SSI was able to measure from the points in a cross pattern to make sure the overall dimensions matched. From this validation, SSI felt that their point cloud data was accurate and prepared to have MDOT move forward with positioning the superstructure. The Second Avenue Bridge was successfully moved into place on July 29, 2022.
Click on the link to watch the time lapse: 2022 Second Avenue Bridge Move over I-94 Time-lapse – Bing video.