Paper Mill Road Bridge
Location: Baltimore County, Maryland
Client: City of Baltimore
The new Paper Mill Road Bridge is a 670 foot long
structure, including a 495 foot steel box arch span that spans the
Loch Raven reservoir.
Paper Mill Road (MD 145) crosses the Gunpowder Falls within one
of Baltimore's major watersheds, the Loch Raven reservoir.
The existing bridge at this location is a well-known landmark; the
distinctive arch truss designed early in the 20th century is one of
a limited number of examples of steel bridges modeled after the
Hell's Gate Arch in New York City and three-hinged arch bridges
within Maryland. Unfortunately, local site conditions
prevented the bridge from adapting to the traffic needs that
increased over time. In addition, the bridge reached an
advanced state of deterioration by the end of the
century.
JMT evaluated various options involving rehabilitation and
replacement in the preliminary engineering stage. Once our
client determined the best solution to be the construction of a
new, more functional bridge next to the existing bridge, JMT began
the final design phase to create a signature structure.
JMT's construction management staff also played an important
role in this successful project by providing on site construction
management and inspection services throughout closeout.
The new bridge is a grand complement to the older bridge.
The new, 670 foot long structure is located 99 feet above the
reservoir and approximately 25 feet north of the older
bridge. A 495 foot steel box arch span spans the reservoir,
thereby eliminating impacts to the waterway as well as minimizing
other environmental impacts.
The new Paper Mill Road Bridge is a perfect companion to the
existing historic structure, creating a striking overall appearance
for this well-traveled yet environmentally sensitive area.
Motorists now benefit from an improved alignment with milder
approach roadway curves.
JMT received numerous national and regional awards for excellence,
in recognition of the outstanding design and innovative
construction of this project, including:
- American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA)
- Transportation Development Foundation's "Globe Award"
- National Steel Bridge Alliance Prize Bridge Award, Long Span
Category
- Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award, American
Society of Civil Engineers - Maryland Section
- National Recognition, American Council of Engineering
Companies
- Merit Award, American Council of Engineering
Companies-Maryland
- Contractor of the Year Award, American Public Works
Association, Virginia - DC - Maryland Chapter
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