JMT provided VDOT with construction management staff for a new bridge to parallel an existing one carrying US 29 over the James River near Lynchburg.  This assignment was the first stage of a project involving a new interchange to bypass the city.  Significant challenges and unique elements of this task included:

• The bridge, approximately 2,200 feet in length, crosses the James River and its floodplain with the south abutment atop a cliff overlooking a CSX rail line.  One significant challenge was the extremely limited construction staging area between the railroad track and the hillside, and also between the track and the wetland area adjacent to the river.
• As the James River feeds directly into the Chesapeake Bay, environmental issues were another major concern with this project.
• Due to the degree of precision required for the bridge’s unique foundation, testing was included in the specifications for the bridge and was constantly performed as work progressed to ensure adherence to these specifications.

JMT’s staff were involved with all aspects of the project progression, including inspection of the drilled shafts, quality control for all construction layout and materials testing, implementation of environmental control requirements, maintenance of project documentation and records, CPM schedule analysis, and change order evaluation.  JMT and VDOT closely monitored the construction to ensure no problems arose.

This $22 million project was completed more than nine months ahead of schedule and within budget.