Case Study: Fern Hollow Bridge Replacement in Frick Park | PCI-MA

Written by Dawn Decker | July 19, 2023

Case Study: Fern Hollow Bridge Replacement Completed in Less Than a Year

When the Fern Hollow Bridge in Pittsburgh’s Frick Park collapsed on January 28, 2022, only four people sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Had the bridge collapsed an hour later, during peak commuter time, the outcome could’ve been much more tragic.

Following the collapse, an emergency project team was assembled by the state and city and given the green light to start working on an immediate rebuild. With conventional methods, replacing a bridge this size typically would’ve taken three to four years, including the time required to redesign the bridge, plan the bridge construction, obtain approvals, prepare the site, and install substructure elements. Using prestressed concrete beams for the bridge superstructure accelerated the Fern Hollow Bridge completion timeline to less than a year.

Fern Hollow Bridge Replacement Project Team:

PCI-Certified Precast Producer: PennStress
Owner: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the City of Pittsburgh
General Contractor: Swank Construction
Engineer-of-Record: HDR Engineering

Discover how the project team worked intensely at unprecedented construction rates to deliver the precast, prestressed bridge beams just six months after the initial collapse. It was exceptional for a bridge project of this magnitude to move so quickly and open in less than a year, thanks to the close collaboration and a push to meet the community’s urgent need.

Check out the case study below to unlock the details behind this impressive feat made possible by the versatility and efficiency of a precast concrete solution.

The use of precast, prestressed concrete for the Fern Hollow Bridge replacement delivered the following benefits:

Accelerated construction speed with off-site fabrication and minimal disruption to the surrounding environment during construction
A high-quality, resilient, and low-maintenance three-span bridge for a 100-year service life
The ability to withstand inclement weather, a harsh environment, hurricane-level winds, and occupational impacts from vehicles
Time and money savings while achieving the desired look and bridge features

Other Notable Pedestrian Bridge and Transportation Award-Winning Projects in the Mid-Atlantic:

The Arlington Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation, Washington, DC
Replacement Old Easton Road Bridge Over Pine Run, Plumstead Township, PA
Interstate 78 Bridge Under Clearance Project, Berks County, PA
Villanova University Pedestrian Bridge, Villanova, PA

Collaborate with Our Fabricators on Your Next Project

PCI Mid-Atlantic projects utilize several different precast components in bridge superstructures, substructures, and transportation-related projects. This resource is particularly valuable for the region’s architecture, engineering, and construction professionals seeking project partners. The directory of PCI Mid-Atlantic Chapter producer members lists products each member manufactures, including bridge components, piling, precast substructures, and products like traffic barriers, retaining walls, and pavement slabs. It also shares company websites and contact information to facilitate collaboration.

Browse the directory to discover Mid-Atlantic precast producers’ specialties and start a conversation today.

See the full Fern Hollow Bridge Replacement Case Study below:

With Precast, It’s Possible
Achieve Remarkable Architecture through Prefabrication

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