City provides further update on Connie’s Bridge Project

The City of Globe provided an update regarding the construction of the new Connie’s Bridge today. It provides additional information on the project that was not made clear in the presentation by Meridian Construction during their presentation on at a recent Council meeting. 

The City of Globe would like to provide a written update on the Connie’s Bridge Project. We understand the anticipation of its completion and appreciate your patience as we work through the complexities to ensure a high-quality product.

 

Reasons For Replacement:

• The original Connies bridge was built in 1920 and has been repaired and widened twice already. 
• In a bridge safety review study, Connie’s Bridge was rated in “poor” condition, scoring 36.08 out of 100. ADOT lowered the bridge’s weight limit from 20 to 10 tons. 
• The original Connie’s Bridge shows exposed rusted rebar and major structural defects, making it likely that an additional failure of a portion of the bridge could result in its permanent closure without any warning.  
• The height of the bridge is limited by the height of the adjacent Broad and Jesse Hayes roads and the railroad tracks. The new Connies bridge will allow higher flows of water because of its single center support design and perpendicular angle to the creek. It is also designed not to clog with debris. 

 

Project Delays:

• Drill Shaft Issues: Unforeseen complications with the drill shafts have caused delays. After two and a half months of remediation, this has been resolved to engineering standards.
• Weather Delays: Adverse weather conditions have impacted the project timeline. 2022-2023 produced a wet winter, with three months of consistent flow within the creek, and the monsoons have caused flooding during critical phases. 
• Deck Adjustments: Necessary adjustments to the bridge deck have been identified and addressed. An additional layer of plywood forming had to be laid to meet the required surface elevation and slope, leading to an additional four months of work, including redesign and labor, before pouring the concrete. 
• Deck Surface Work: The deck’s top and bottom surfaces required additional attention. Low and high spots were identified and cleaned up. We are in the remediation phase. Concrete will be sandblasted and finished with an ACFC coating, leading to an aesthetically pleasing and durable product. 
• Gabion Walls: Construction and reinforcement of Gabion walls along the creek have taken longer than expected. The first set was not installed to specifications and must be redone correctly. The use of gabion walls instead of cement walls has reduced the project’s cost by half a million dollars.
• Deck Bottom: Upon removal of the forms, surface air pockets were discovered at the underside of the deck due to incomplete concrete distribution. Additional work was halted, core samples were taken, and sonic testing was conducted. No additional deficiencies were discovered, and the bridge was determined to be structurally sound. We are awaiting a structural engineering report for a remediation plan for the corrective action for the surface repairs to be taken by Meridian.  

 

Upcoming Activities:

• Approach Slab Pouring (Railroad Side): The approach slab-pouring on the railroad side was completed on July 30th.
• Railroad Gates and Signal Installation: The installation of railroad gates and signals to ensure safety and functionality is scheduled for August 21st.
• Approach Slab Pouring (Connie’s side): The approach slab-pouring on Connie’s side will take place in late August.
• Closure for realignment of Jesse Hayes: A 2-3 week closure will be necessary to build the new curb, gutter, sidewalk, and complete utility relocations. This will be a full detour with a seven-day notice before taking place.
• Paving: Paving work will be carried out on Hill Street, Carico, Broad Street, and Jesse Hayes Rd. ADOT permits and traffic control plans are ready to go. 

 

Focus on Quality:

• Quality of construction is our priority, and City staff will take as much time as needed to ensure the project meets, if not exceeds, the engineering and design specifications, ensuring Connie’s Bridge will serve the community for the next 50-100 years. Consequently, no current estimated completion date can be provided at this time.

 

Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work diligently to complete this project. We are committed to delivering a bridge to the community that meets the highest safety, durability, and aesthetic standards.