Serving Drivers with Instant Bridge Replacement

John Schwartz reports on a bridge replacement technique that demonstrates innovation in construction, as well as customer service.

2 minute read

April 19, 2012, 9:00 AM PDT

By jerinbrent


The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has recently shifted their approach to highway projects. Administrator, Frank DePaola, describes how the department has been so narrowly focused on construction and road projects that they've lost sight of the fact that they work for the local drivers, not the contractors.

Gov. Deval Patrick points out, ""It's their money, after all. And it's their broken bridge."

Massachusetts is leading the charge with an innovative bridge replacement technique meant to alleviate the inconvenience to drivers when projects drag on for years. "Accelerated bridge construction" is being employed across the state to build and replace critical infrastructure as quickly as possible, sometimes as quick as a weekend.

NYT reportor John Schwartz observed the completion of Boston's River Street Bridge. Using the new accelerated technique, workers began constructing the superstructure a year ago on an adjacent lot. Upon completion, the old bridge was deconstructed, precast concrete caps were placed on the existing bridge abutments and the new bridge was slipped in "like the world's biggest Lego block."

While Massachusetts is leading the way, accelerated bridge construction is picking up steam across the country. San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge is getting a prefabricated makeover one section at a time so as to avoid full road closure. The new technique is not only faster and avoids lengthy traffic detours, but it also tends to cost about the same or less as traditional bridge replacement projects.

Thanks to Jessica Brent

Tuesday, April 17, 2012 in The New York Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power

Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

July 18 - Inside Climate News

Former MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood standing in front of MARTA HQ with blurred MARTA sign visible in background.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns

MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

July 18 - WABE

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17 - San José Spotlight