Page 310 - Bridge and Highway Structure Rehabilitation and Repair

CHAPTER 7 BRIDGE WIDENING AND DECK REPLACEMENT STRATEGY 285

5. Any pitting of top flange areas of floor beams will be repaired by grinding steel surfaces.
6. Structural painting may be required.
7.2.4 Staging Planning
To maintain minimum discomfort to the public, sensitive planning is required, including
the following steps:

1. A traffic count needs to be performed to assess impact on traffi c flow during construction.
Warning signs must be placed weeks in advance so that the users may select an alternate
route to avoid congestion.
2. Local authorities should be contacted to determine if they have any restrictions regarding
lane closures.

3. Prior to developing staging plans, the agency’s traffic operations department will provide the
maximum allowable lane closure hours in each direction and the maximum number of lanes
that can be closed at one time. An eight- to ten-hour night window is required for the contrac-
tor to properly complete his work. Extra hours will be permitted for weekend work.
4. Plans must comply with MUTCD and AASHTO LRFD regulations. All non-standard signs
shall be sized according to the MUTCD with letter heights and alphabet size given for each
line.
5. Construction staging plans shall include cross sections of the bridge for each stage of con-
struction. Fewer stages will require less time for completion. Time required for the comple-
tion of concrete work for each stage is nearly that of a bridge. Two main stages are preferred
over three or four, although there may be substages.
6. Structural drawings showing construction in each stage should conform to traffi c control
plans. A set of applicable standard traffic control plans are to be used as a basis for develop-

ing the fi nal traffic control plans. These plans shall be customized to reflect site conditions
and the ability of the shoulder to withstand traffi c.
7.3 REHABILITATION/RETROFIT OR REPLACEMENT DECISIONS
7.3.1 Management Methods Associated with Design

Teamwork and organization are required for all public projects. Design is a step-by-step

process. Hence, final design should be carried out only after the following necessary documen-
tation is in place.
1. Permit approval: In addition to analysis, design will be completed by simplifying the
permitting application and approval process using computer software and Internet media.
Compliance with dozens of requirements causes delays in getting construction permits ap-
proved. Sometimes permit approvals may take longer than the bridge design effort. Changes
requested by DEP may alter design.
2. A Web site needs to be developed. Both designers and government agencies will log into
the secure Web site. Online meetings will take place there. Through electronic submission,
online tracking of plans, documents review, and payment of approved fees will be possible
and permits will be issued online. Through software applications the system will:
• Simplify and accelerate the development review and permit issuance process
• Improve uniformity and predictability of code applications
• Use Internet-based technology and computer software to connect customers and regula-
tors
• Create a computer network linking the entire construction industry
• Incorporate the best practices in construction, reviews, and fi eld inspections.