Biennial Inspection of 6 State Complex Bridges

Arora was selected by NJDOT to conduct the biennial inspections of 6 complex bridges in 2007, and will complete a second cycle in 2009.  These bridges are classified as complex because of unusual design, complicated inspection access, and overall size.

The Route 35 “Victory Bridge” over the Raritan River, shown in the photo above, is the first post-tensioned segmental concrete bridge built in New Jersey.  The inspection of this high level structure over a navigable waterway required the use of a UB-60 Aspen Aerial underbridge inspection vehicle.  Coast Guard permits, confined space entry procedures, and specialized inspection procedures were also required.

Two structures on Route NJ 139 were included in this complex project because they are large viaducts built in the 1930’s that carry heavy traffic from the Pulaski Skyway to the Holland Tunnel.  These two bridges primarily consist of concrete encased through girder and floorbeam construction, with other types of spans including arches and multi-stringers.  Both bridges are in the process of undergoing major reconstruction and widening.  The inspection of these two old viaducts required a combination of access equipment including UB-60’s, high level man-lifts and bucket trucks.

The inspection of a wider high level bridge carrying I-287 over the Wanaque River required the use of a UB-75, which had to be brought in from New England for this project.

Arora has also conducted other Complex Bridge inspection projects including the inspections of Movable bridges, the Route 72 over Manahawkin Bay Bridge, which is a continuous span, pin and hanger assembly through girder and floorbeam structure that is prone to fatigue cracking.  We also performed the inspection of the Route NJ 52 Causeway bridges which are severely deteriorated T-beam structures carrying a critical roadway to Ocean City, New Jersey.