Mammoet operators have handled the jack up, transport, and jack & slide, of a 2267 metric tonne, single span bridge, in Detroit, the largest city in Michigan. The installation of this bridge section should contribute to making the ‘motor city’ more accessible.

The bridge measures 87 metres in length and 29 metres in width, which equates to 285 feet by 95 feet. The bridge is designed to have a car lane in each direction, a sidewalk and bike lanes of almost three metres wide, approach landscaping, and LED lighting.

The skeleton of the new overpass bridge was built off-site, in the Wayne State University Palmer parking lot, approximately four kilometres away. It was then transported using self-propelled mobile transports (SPMTs). During this time, the bridge foundation and abutment walls were built on-site, along the I-94 freeway.

This bridge is replacing the Second Avenue Bridge, as part of the state’s infrastructure upgrades, as the city’s mobility needs have been increasing. State transportation priorities include providing better access to all Detroit neighbourhoods, to increase economic opportunities and road safety.

The bridge is Michigan’s first network-tied arch bridge. It reopened Friday restoring access to the I-94 between I-75 and the Lodge Freeway, after having been closed for a week. However, some lane restrictions remain.

Located in the Midwestern United States, the ‘motor city’ title refers to Detroit’s ties to the automotive industry, being the birthplace of the modern automobile, and having the status of world automotive manufacturing capital during the early 20th century.