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architects/engineers/planners
In Spring 2007, the History Channel’s Mega Movers program on “Really Big Bridges” featured the Maguire-designed Providence River Bridge—at that time, the world’s widest network-arched bridge. The bridge was designed by Maguire on behalf of the Rhode Island Dept. of Transportation (RIDOT). It was built in Quonset, RI and then carefully transported by barge up-river to Providence as part of the I-95 and I-195 reconfiguration known as IWAY. In late 2007, FHWA Administrator J. Richard Capka joined RIDOT officials for ribbon-cutting ceremonies on the new Iway Bridge. In October 2009, the final leg of the relocated interstate 195 was opened to traffic.
www.maguiregroup.com
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Maguire Group’s Unique Bridge Design When faced with a challenge, good engineers typically come up with a planned, creative, and sometimes awe-inspiring solution that leaves the user almost unaware of the arabesque of design, the tons of concrete, or the weighty responsibility of arches and cables. The country’s widest networkarched bridge, designed by Maguire Group for the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Iway project, is one of those awe-inspiring solutions. The bridge has three different sections: the east span has concrete box beams; the west span has steel box girders; the center, or signature span, is the network arch span. While work was being conducted on the respective beams or girders on both sides of the Providence River and the piers upon which the arch would rest, further south in Quonset Point, teams began to work on and assemble the network arch itself. As the arch neared completion, it became clearer what a unique and stunning signature bridge this would be. There was plenty more excitement about the bridge in late summer of 2006 when the network arch—which weighs 5.5 million pounds and is 400 feet long, 80 feet high, and 167 feet wide including the arches—was barge-floated 12 miles up Narragansett Bay and the Providence River and secured in its final resting place. The network arch span now sits 34 feet over the water near the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier in Providence. By the end of 2007, the first portion of the bridge and related roadwork on the Iway reconfiguration was completed. In October 2009, the final This signature span, with its considerable architectural detailing, will be one of the most visible Providence landmarks for decades to come.
“The innovative approach in building the bridge off site and floating it to Providence was the safest, most efficient means of constructing it… It was a great feat of engineering.” Michael P. Lewis, RIDOT Director Office Locations New Britain, Connecticut Miami, Florida Orlando, Florida Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Foxborough, Massachusetts (HQ) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Providence, Rhode Island Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
www.MaguireGroup.com A Metric Engineering Group Company