Portage CTH J Railroad Overpass

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CTH J is a major collector that crossed the Canadian National Railroad about 6 miles east of Stevens Point. The railroad anticipated adding a second track, which would significantly increase the number of trains passing through the area on any given day. Even with 31 trains per day on the single track, the average crash rate along CTH J for this portion of roadway was 22.2% higher than the statewide average for county highways. Ayres completed a study to determine if an overpass was feasible. Portage County then retained Ayres to design the reconstruction of CTH J, primarily adding a grade separation overpass of the railway.

The new structure is a 161-foot-long, three-span, prestressed girder bridge with a clear roadway width of 40 feet. The design schedule was accelerated to accommodate a construction deadline. Ayres designed a frontage road north of the crossing to provide access to local businesses, and Hillcrest Drive was reconstructed to provide access to residents and local businesses south of the crossing.

Services included topographic survey, agency coordination, utility and railroad coordination, section 106 review, pavement report, environmental report, design study report, public involvement, right-of-way plat, preliminary and final structure and roadway plans, estimates, and specifications.

Project Information

Client's Name

Portage County Highway Department

Location

Stevens Point, WI

Primary Service

Structural Design & Analysis

Market

Local Government