Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Bridge
This project consists of the preparation of a preferred alignment studies, prepared construction plans and performed an Initial NBIS inspection to replace the 224′, single-span steel K-frame pedestrian bridge carrying the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail over the Pennsylvania Turnpike at Milepost 100.5 for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The trail bridge was located in scenic Jefferson Township, Westmoreland County and was used for hiking, snowmobiling and equestrian use. Various alignments and structure alternatives were evaluated, but the replacement structure ultimately selected was a 184′, single-span, 78″-deep welded steel plate girder bridge supported by full-height concrete abutments. The structure was designed to support snow-grooming equipment and emergency vehicles. To provide an aesthetic structure that complimented the surrounding rural trails, form liners and tinted concrete were used on the abutments and concrete barriers to provide a natural stone finish.
