MECHANICSBURG, PA | Modjeski and Masters (M&M) has been selected to perform engineering services necessary for the rehabilitation of two bascule bridges crossing the St. Joseph River in southwest Michigan. The work on the Blossomland (M-63) and the Bicentennial (I-94BL) bridges will help keep both vehicular and marine traffic flowing smoothly across the St. Joseph River in the Benton Harbor and St. Joseph areas.
M&M will provide mechanical, electrical and structural engineering services for the movable and fixed spans of both bridges. Coordination between the owner, public, local stakeholders and permitting agencies (including the U.S. Coast Guard) is critical to the success of the project and is a specialty of M&M.
“These projects showcase our expertise in bascule bridges,” said Michael F. Britt, PE, senior vice president and director of business development at M&M. “Movable structures present many different and unique challenges when compared to fixed bridge design and construction. We have a proven history of solving these challenges and creating comprehensive solutions that keep these bridges operational with minimal disruption to various traffic modes. ”
The original Blossomland Bridge is located in St. Joseph, Michigan and carries M-63 across the St. Joseph River. It was built in 1948 and has a total length of approximately 713 ft. Its main span is a Scherzer double-leaf rolling bascule. The six approach spans consist of steel multi-girder cross sections. It carries four lanes of traffic across its 44 ft. width.
The 570 ft. Bicentennial Bridge carries I-94 across the St. Joseph in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Built in 1976, its main span is a hydro-mechanically driven Scherzer double-leaf bascule with four approach spans consisting of steel multi-girder and steel girder-floorbeam-stringer cross sections. At 60 ft. curb-to-curb, it accommodates four lanes of vehicular traffic.
About Modjeski and Masters
Modjeski and Masters is one of the world’s leading bridge engineering firms, with a reputation for technical excellence and innovation that goes beyond current standards. Established more than 120 years ago, the firm is responsible for the design and maintenance of some of our nation’s most recognizable structures. Services include fixed and movable bridge design, inspection and rehabilitation, and all facets of life-cycle maintenance, research and code development. For more information, including in-depth videos of M&M at work, please visit www.modjeski.com.