Built in 1970 on I-79 in West Virginia, these four-span structures were founded on embankments created by the roadway construction. Movement was soon detected in portions of the foundations supported on the embankment and by the early 1990’s had become a significant problem. Palmer was asked to evaluate the condition of the structures and the cause of this movement. We performed a full inspection of the bridges and teamed with H. C. Nutting to study the ongoing movement of the substructure. Palmer then prepared numerous renovation concepts for the West Virginia Department of Transportation, which led to the chosen solution of a full replacement of both structures. The lengths of the bridges were increased approx. 180’ to span the unstable embankment. In addition, the new five-span structures are founded on drilled shafts which are inherently resistant to foundation settlement.

Palmer’s team provided the complete design, including modifications to the roadway and maintenance of traffic. Palmer also provided on-site services associated with the construction of the drilled shafts.