Weybridge-New Haven BF 032-1(19)
Project Location: The bridge carries VT Route 17 over the Otter Creek between the Towns of Weybridge and New Haven in Addison County approximately 4.4 miles west of the intersection of VT 17 with US 7 in the Town of New Haven. Bridge 8 is a 222 ft. 3-span structure with a cast-in-place deck and rolled steel beams.

The Weybridge-New Haven Route 17 Bridge 8 project will replace the existing bridge with a new bridge that meets or improves all current design standards. Age, weather, and use have taken a toll on the bridge resulting in a deteriorated deck, weakening abutments, and steel corrosion. The bridge is functionally obsolete, which means that width is substandard, and the existing railings are in need of improvement. Roadway deficiencies include banking and K-values (sag) .

VTrans retained Green International Affiliates, an engineering consultant, to evaluate several rehabilitation and replacement alternatives for this location In an engineering scoping study completed in April 2016. The study assessed proposed design criteria, right-of-way impacts, hydraulics, archaeological, and historical resources. Several bridge rehabilitation and replacement options were considered including no action, repairs to deck, superstructure, and substructures, and replacement with a new structure along with a number of maintenance of traffic options including a short term road closure, phased construction and a temporary bridge. Given the site characteristics, age and condition of the existing structure, the engineering study initially recommended full replacement with a new bridge on the current alignment, while maintaining traffic through the travel corridor on a temporary bridge. However, deterioration is advancing faster than anticipated, so to minimize delays due to Right-of-Way acquisition and archaeological investigation for construction activities outside of the existing area of disturbance, a road closure and off-site detour is recommended.

The new bridge will be slightly longer than the existing in order to relieve the river constriction caused by stone embankment protection in front of the existing abutments. The new span will be approximately 240’ and will meet Vermont State Standards for lane and shoulder width.

It is anticipated that the bridge will be constructed during the summer of 2018 using ABC methods and prefabricated components, which will expedite construction and reduce disturbance to the public. Temporary single lane closures prior to and following the bridge closure period will likely be allowed.