V+M is excited to share that the project reached a milestone yesterday as the bridge network arch span (70 tons of steel) was lifted into place onto the two piers to span the White River, to form part of the connection of the Foothill Trails between Buckley and Enumclaw, WA. Despite the lift being scheduled early in the morning before the excessive heat wave during mid-day, a crowd stood by to witness the feat completed in about five hours.
The lift was a well-choreographed dance, with a large truck rolling the 140,000-lbs arch structure from the staging area down toward the river. The 172-foot span was hoisted by a 550-ton crane and suspended over the chocolaty version of the usual milkyWhite River. The leading end was handed off to a second 550-ton crane placed on the far riverbank as the truck continued to support the arch. The first crane then picked up the trailing end of the arch off the truck to complete the placement of the tied arch onto the piers.
Foothills Trail White River Bridge on Vimeo
V+M is the bridge designer and Engineer of Record. King County is the Owner, Huitt Zollars is the Prime Consultant for this section of the Foothills Trail, the General Contractor is Ceccanti, and the cranes were supplied by Omega Morgan. Kudos to the construction team in making this a safe and successful lift!
