With an original superstructure that was constructed in 1950, along with a stone masonry substructure that predated it, the 27th Street Bridge in Washington D.C. needed to be replaced. STV provided on-site construction management and inspection support services for the District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) first accelerated bridge replacement project and the agency’s first Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil – Integrated Bridge System (GRS-IBS) project. The Federal Highway Administration closely monitored this assignment as part of a state-based initiative of its Center for Accelerating Innovation.

Faced with several challenges – a requirement to complete the project within 98 calendar days, blending the aesthetics with the adjacent Rock Creek Park natural setting, and strict environmental controls affecting the stream beds – the STV team established and supported an outreach program that involved meeting with local entities to address all the concerns and provide updates.

Despite these challenges, the project was completed eight calendar days ahead of schedule and under budget. The bridge replacement project now serves as a model for future GRS-IBS projects.