• Project Type

  Bridge & Structural Design

• Date

  2021–2022

• Location

  Town of DeWitt, Onondaga County, NY

• Role

  ·       Bridge & Structural Design

To improve safety and traffic flow along a heavily traveled section of I-90, NYSTA launched a project to replace the aging Interchange Exit 35 Ramp Bridge. Originally constructed in 1953, the four-span multi-girder bridge had undergone years of corrective maintenance but had reached the end of its service life.

Prudent Engineering was retained as subconsultant to deliver the bridge substructure design, including Final Plans, Specifications, and Estimate (PS&E).

The replacement bridge was built on a new horizontal alignment, shifting the ramp roadway centerline eastward to allow the existing bridge to remain in service during construction. This staging strategy required careful coordination to maintain traffic flow and avoid impacts to the adjacent live-traffic structure.

Key design solutions included:

• High integral abutments to reduce overall bridge length and expand roadside clear zones

• Jointless deck details to enhance durability and minimize future maintenance

• Increased vertical clearance to 16'-6" to reduce risk of over-height vehicle strikes

• A center pier designed with increased rebar cover for improved durability

• Rapid adjustments to pier pile foundation layouts in response to field conditions

By providing a resilient and low-maintenance design, Prudent supported a successful bridge replacement that preserved ramp access over a high-volume interstate, maintained traffic mobility throughout construction, and promoted long-term performance while reducing lifecycle costs.