IR 77

This project consisted of the replacement of the 3,000 foot long, six-lane bridge deck over Granger and Canal Rds, the Cuyahoga River, and CSX Railroad in multiple phases while maintaining traffic for 121,000 vehicles a day. ODOT’s original plan called for six major phases of work over three construction seasons. Ruhlin utilized ODOT’s Value Engineering Change Proposal (VECP) process to change the maintenance of traffic pattern allowing for completion of the project in four major phases of work, shortening the overall construction schedule by one full year. In addition, the VECP resulted in a $510,000 cost savings while improving durability and quality by reducing construction joints. A diamond saw cutting and deck slab removal method was used to demolish the existing superstructure, which was then recycled. The new work included safely constructing over 384,000 SF of temporary formwork, placing 3.9 million pounds of reinforcing steel, and pouring 15,000 CY of structural concrete in two main construction seasons.