US 20 Bridge Replacement

ASHTABULA COUNTY, OHIO

STRUCTURES

Palmer Engineering led the replacement of a 1930s-era, 27-span continuous concrete slab bridge carrying US 20 over multiple Norfolk Southern Railroad tracks. The project required a customized, forward-thinking design to address complex geometry and future infrastructure needs.

Engineering Solutions

Evaluated Multiple Structure Types: Options studied included precast concrete arches, steel plate girder bridges with post-tensioned pier caps, and skewed prestressed concrete beams.
Preferred Design: A prestressed concrete beam bridge oriented at a significant skew was selected for its efficiency and long-term performance.
Advanced Structural Analysis: Finite element modeling was used to create a highly customized, precise design solution.

Lasting Impact

The US 20 Bridge Replacement demonstrates Palmer Engineering’s expertise in bridge engineering, structural design, and transportation safety. By delivering a cost-effective, award-winning solution, the project strengthened Ohio’s infrastructure and set a benchmark for future bridge projects.

Unique aspects

Opportunities

Future-Ready Design: Ability to plan a structure that could accommodate up to two additional railroad tracks.
Innovative Structure Evaluation: Opportunity to analyze and compare multiple bridge types to determine the most efficient long-term solution.
Advanced Engineering Integration: Use of finite element modeling to create a highly precise, customized design.
Long-Term Value Creation: Chance to enhance durability, safety, and lifecycle performance through optimized structural choices.
Challenges

High Skew Alignment: The bridge needed to span active railroad lines at an extreme skew angle, increasing geometric and structural complexity.
Future Track Expansion: The structure had to be designed to accommodate up to two additional railroad tracks, requiring additional planning, clearances, and load considerations.
Long-Term Performance Requirements: Safety, durability, and cost-effectiveness had to be balanced carefully to ensure the structure would perform reliably for decades.
Successes

Refined Design Approach: Engineers evaluated multiple options—including precast arches, steel plate girders, and skewed prestressed beams—ultimately selecting a prestressed concrete beam bridge that delivered the best performance and value.
Advanced Structural Modeling: Finite element analysis enabled a precise, optimized solution tailored to the unique geometry and loading demands.
Industry Recognition:
2017 ODOT Partnering Award
Association for Bridge Construction and Design Award
ACEC Ohio Award
ACEC National Recognition
ASHE Award