Benning Road Bridge Replacement over the Anacostia River
Volkert Engineering conducted a study to assess the soundness of the Benning Road Bridge, originally constructed in 1797, including a structural evaluation, scour analysis, and geotechnical and environmental reports. The study results indicated that the bridge was unfit for rehabilitation and that replacement was required.
The 548-foot, 8-lane replacement bridge is a 5-span, continuous, multi-girder bridge. The design included roadway approaches, street and navigational lighting, traffic signals, sidewalks and bike lanes.
Uninterrupted operations of adjacent metro lines and facilities were maintained throughout all phases. Plans were prepared to maintain utility service throughout construction and to relocate 1,300 LF of water main, gas lines, power and telephone lines.
Volkert Engineering obtained permits and/or approvals from more than ten agencies. The Benning Road Bridge connects two park areas on both sides of the Anacostia River. The DDOT desired minimal impacts, landscape and trail improvements, as well as sensitivity to wetland areas. Volkert Engineering obtained and complied with environmental permits with seasonal limits on river bottom and wildlife disturbances.
DDOT also required minimal disturbance to the sediment or approved on-site handling and appropriate disposal procedures for contaminated sediment. Volkert Engineering developed a unique system of cofferdams to keep sediment in place. All procedures were approved by DC DCRA and the USACE.
Services Provided: Roadway/Civil Design, Bridge Design, Environmental Study, Federal and Local Permits, Hydraulic Design, Geotechnical, Survey, Traffic Engineering, Coordination with METRO Operations