Ex-SPAN-ding for the Future

Located in one of the fastest growing areas in Ohio, Delaware County’s new Home Road Bridge over the O’Shaughnessy Reservoir was designed with the future in mind.

The new bridge replaces a deteriorating, 1920s, steel truss structure that could no longer support the estimated 8,900 vehicles that crossed the bridge each day – a number anticipated to double by 2023. As a result, the Delaware County Engineer’s office wanted a solution that would provide for this anticipated growth.

B&N designed the new bridge with the ability to expand from two 12-foot-wide lanes to four. Extra shafts were drilled for the bridge’s concrete piers, and concrete columns were poured to allow for future expansion.

B&N’s performance on this project was applauded by Delaware County Engineer, Chris Bauserman.

“The performance of the Burgess & Niple team, from the design concept stage to the final construction punch list, was exemplary,” Bauserman said. “Every phase of the project was completed in a thorough, professional and efficient manner.”

Dedicated in November 2003, the 1,145-foot, seven-span steel girder superstructure is the longest bridge in Delaware County. Additional features include an 11-foot walkway/bikeway and observation balconies located at each pier.

“Burgess & Niple exceeded our expectations and they deserve credit for their significant contribution to a project that has received overwhelming positive response from the citizens of our county,” Bauserman said.

Jeff Griffin, PE, and Shane Whitacre, PE, both of B&N’s Columbus office, led the design and construction services efforts for the project.

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