I-95 Richmond

Construction of the superstructure for the $43M replacement of all 102 conventional steel spans and the complete redecking of 10 truss spans crossing the James River in downtown Richmond.

Traffic was detoured to opposing lanes at 7 PM each night, equipment mobilized, an entire existing span is removed, and replaced with 2 precast composite units (PCUs). Concurrently, full width non-composite deck sections are removed, replaced with precast deck panels, which are made composite. If traffic is not re-opened at 6 AM the following morning, hourly liquidated damages are assessed.

The PCUs are typically three girders across and vary in length from 45’ to 95’ with a deck width of approximately 22’. Adjacent PCU’s are matchcast longitudinally and erected side by side to make up the full width of a given span. Transverse PT bars are used to provide the continuity across the epoxied joints. This is the first time a long thin slab has been successfully matchcast, introduced by FINLEY to replace CIP closures.

Precast deck panels are of reinforced steel grid deck filled with lightweight concrete. All precast elements, complete with barriers and striping, arrive from the casting yard on a custom tractor/trailer system. Conventional cranes operating in tandem are used to remove and replace the spans.