The Highway 17 bridge over Jacks Fork River in Texas County was recently recognized for innovative bridge design at the American Council of Engineering Companies of Missouri awards banquet.
Missouri Department of Transportation District Design Engineer Mike Wake joined Kevin Eisenbeis of Harrington and Cortelyou Inc., and MoDOT Bridge Liaison Engineer Joyce Foster at the event. According to information shared by the emcee of the event, the project showcased innovative engineering in an essential highway safety improvement while preserving precious natural resources.
Replacement of the bridge over the Jacks Fork River involved realignment in an area designated by Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Large rock cuts were required and in order to preserve the deep earth fill and trees at the top of the excavation, a 30-foot high wall of gabion baskets filled with rock was installed. The wall was carefully designed to blend in with the natural landscape.
In addition, the bridge design included arched, steel beams with ornamental piers and railings. ACEC said through innovative engineering and client-assisted design, safety was improved and disruption to parkland was minimized.