Bridge, Highway & Rail Projects

McLaren performed roadway design, including the preparation of detailed plans and specifications. The firm also performed utility coordination, public information meetings, traffic analysis, topographic survey, right-of-way mapping, and construction inspection.

A 2004 inspection of the bridge revealed a wide longitudinal crack on the underside of the bridge, a 24” sinkhole at the top of the deck, a clogged drainage system, severe scaling and spalling, and rotted track ties. McLaren has developed bridge rehabilitation designs based on the findings of this inspection as well of our own cursory inspection of the bridge that determined whether there were other significant conditions previously undiscovered. Various concrete repairs were designed, including repair or replacement of tile drains; removal of delaminated concrete; and repair of the longitudinal cracks. Waterproofing remedies were also developed.

McLaren provided Phases I-VI of the design services associated with the replacement of both of the Taconic State Parkway Bridges. Work involved removal of a three-span structure and replacement with a new single span bridge on an existing horizontal and vertical alignment. The proposed superstructure consisted of pre-stressed concrete arch beams with stone facing on the fascia. Other areas of involvement included M&PT, approach work, paving, pavement markers, striping and utilities, and guide railing.

McLaren engineers designed the RPL truss superstructure bridge. The structure is capable of supporting H-15 live load capacity. The recycled material used to construct the bridge is equivalent to 70,000 plastic one-gallon milk cartons. Design of a bowstring truss configuration represents an optimal use of the material. The bridge will be monitored over the next few years to evaluate the long-term behavior of the material and to confirm the algorithm used to prepare the design. McLaren was ultimately responsible for the design of bowstring truss bridge, construction supervision, and monitoring of the H-15 truckload deflection.

Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge measurements were taken to measure the deterioration of the culverts that ranged in size from 20 foot span steel stringer-type to 4 foot span corrugated metal type. A computerized program was developed and used to generate reports in spreadsheet format. The database incorporated rating criteria from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and NYSDOT. Each culvert was evaluated based on specified rating criteria, which generated a “score” or ranking based on its overall condition. Various components of the culverts that required further rehabilitation or upgrading were noted. All of the culverts inspected were organized into a prioritized listing by overall ranking. This summary was provided to the County for aid in capital planning and scheduling of repairs. McLaren also performed the initial inspection in 1994.