Bridge over the Androscoggin River
Bethel, ME
SA evaluated geotechnical conditions and designed pile foundations subject to destructive scour and ice forces for this 3-span bicycle, pedestrian, snowmobile and emergency vehicle bridge crossing the Androscoggin River.
Stephens Associates Consulting Engineers (SA) evaluated shore (abutment) and river (pier) geotechnical conditions and designed pile foundations for this 400-foot, 3-span river crossing bridge owned by the City of Bethel, and funded by Maine Department of Transportation, Multimodal Division. SA evaluated subsurface conditions at river piers using a barge-support drill rig and performed borings for the new abutments by truck-mounted drill rig. Using the data obtained, and AASHTO guidelines, SA designed foundations for this large bridge traversing the Androscoggin - one of Maine’s most destructive rivers - to resist scour and large ice forces. These issues governed design and construction recommendations. The Bridge is adjacent to the existing US Route 2 Bridge and carries an existing recreation (bicycle, pedestrian and snowmobile) trail over the Androscoggin River at this dangerous location, and also provides emergency vehicle access.