UToledo David Leigh Root Bridge Replacement

DGL provided concept and detailed designs as well as construction phase services for the replacement of the David Root Bridge carrying Stadium Drive over the Ottawa River. Crucial to the Root Bridge construction was a separate utility relocation project led by DGL. Serving as the Civil Designer and Team Lead, we engineered the rerouting of a major streamline across the river via a new utility truss installed just upstream. The utility project was completed on time and under budget allowing the Root Bridge schedule to move forward uninterrupted.

The deteriorating existing bridge was replaced with a three-span, prestressed concrete box beam superstructure supported on capped pile piers. The capped pile pier substructure provided the lowest impact on the stream environment while also expediting construction of the foundations during early spring, allowing work to be completed before in-stream work restrictions began in mid-April. The design included wider sidewalks to improve accessibility.

Aesthetically, the bridge featured classic UT-blend Arriscraft stonework to seamlessly integrate with the surrounding environment. The project was completed on time with extra budget which allowed for additional improvement of the approach roadway, sidewalks, and landscaping.