AON Build America

*2005*		AON Build America Awards
*award:*		DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise)
*category:*		Highway & Transportation/Rennovation
*location:*		Highway & Transportation/Rennovation
*project:*		Profile
*location:*		LaCrosse, WI - Replacement of a 100-year-old swing span bridge over the Black River. The 307-foot structure was replaced with a 147-foot single leaf bascule span and two, 104-foot TPG spans.

		Kraemer also constructed the new substructure units, and self-performed 472 tons of steel erection for the six steel approach spans. The spans range from a 38-foot DPG span to 104-foot TPG spans.

		The project was broken down into 21 stages that took place over 18 months. Substructure construction was completed under live-track conditions, with minimal interruptions to train traffic. Approach span replacements were completed in sections, by floating-in and floating-out or rolling-in and rolling-out. The existing swing span was floated-out and the new bascule span was floated-in during a 72-hour track block. During that same track block, a 104-foot TPG span was rolled-in, a 104-foot TPG span was rolled-out and a 48-foot existing DPG was floated out. Less than 48 hours after the bridge was opened to rail traffic, it was operational for marine craft.