Champeaux Road Bridge Replacement
The Champeaux Road Bridge, a 61-foot, three-span structure built in 1938, spanned Long Pond in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Due to structural deficiencies, the bridge required a complete replacement. Utilizing leftover accelerated bridge project funding, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) tasked CHA to design a replacement bridge that met MassDOT requirements.
The design resulted in a single-span, precast NEXT beam integral abutment bridge founded on micropiles as the replacement structure. An integral abutment bridge is typically chosen since it reduces long-term maintenance needs due to the elimination of joints at the ends of the bridges. Founding the bridge on micropiles minimizes the amount of materials required, increasing its cost-effectiveness. The new bridge enhances flood resilience, improves safety, and minimizes environmental impact.
At MassDOT’s request, CHA developed a structural monitoring plan to track the bridge’s performance. Our continuing research on this structure will inform future decisions regarding the installation of this cost-effective and minimally invasive bridge type.
Project summary
Replaced an aging three-span structure originally built in 1938.
We developed a three-year structural monitoring program to collect data on the bridge's performance.
Using 12.75-inch diameter micropiles reduced raw material needs and minimized disruptions.
Talk to an expert
Ryan Cooley, PE*
Principal Engineer
Ryan has over 20 years of experience designing, analyzing, and overseeing bridges and vertical structures. His expertise encompasses design, load rating, and contract document development for transportation structures throughout New England. Ryan has been a pivotal figure in pioneering initiatives such as introducing GRS-IBS to multiple DOTs and spearheading the implementation of accelerated bridge construction (ABC) technologies throughout the region.