When The Ohio State University needed to modernize a key campus gateway and support new utility infrastructure, B&N was engaged to rehabilitate the John Herrick Drive Bridge over the Olentangy River. Delivered using a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) approach, the project required maintaining continuous access for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians while integrating utilities tied to a new campus power plant designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce the university’s carbon footprint.
Delivering a Complex Rehabilitation
B&N provided design services for substructure modifications and a complete superstructure replacement. Our team evaluated the existing bridge, which consisted of two adjacent structures built in 1977 and 1993 and are supported on steel piles, to confirm it could safely accommodate new structural demands.
To maintain critical campus connectivity, we developed a phased construction approach that kept at least one lane of traffic open in each direction throughout construction, preserving access to the west campus and university hospital. The CMAR delivery method supported coordination during design and construction, helping align phasing, constructability and project constraints.
Engineering Solutions to Support Utility Expansion
The new superstructure consists of a four-span prestressed concrete spread box beam system with a reinforced concrete deck. This solution provides the space needed to accommodate multiple utilities while maintaining structural efficiency within the limits of the existing substructure.
Key project features include:
- CMAR delivery supporting coordinated phasing and constructability
- Phased construction maintaining continuous multimodal access
- Integration of utility corridors within the bridge structure
- Rehabilitation of abutments with new backwalls and utility blockouts
- Addition of diaphragms at piers to support utility routing
- Accommodation of a 32-degree skew across substructures
- 368-ft, four-span superstructure with 5-ft sidewalks on both sides
Supporting Long-Term Campus Sustainability
B&N’s design enables the university to expand critical utility infrastructure while maintaining safe, reliable access to key campus destinations. The rehabilitated bridge supports long-term campus growth and the transition to a more efficient and sustainable energy system.