Second Avenue Bridge

The Second Avenue Bridge spans over Interstate 94 in Detroit, Michigan. It holds the distinction of being Michigan’s first network-tied-arch steel bridge.

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The Second Avenue Bridge spans over Interstate 94 in Detroit, Michigan. It holds the distinction of being Michigan’s first network-tied-arch steel bridge, ^{1 4} as well as the nation’s first skewed and unbraced network arch bridge. ⁴ This bridge replaces a previous structure erected in 1954. ^{2 4}

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and HNTB developed the bridge’s initial concept. ^{1 3} TetraTech handled the skeleton design, while HDR designed the network-tied-arch span with an 18° skew. This design was chosen for its clear span, eliminating the need for a center pier in the expanded Interstate 94. This allowed uninterrupted traffic flow on Interstate 94 and at the junction with M-10. ^{2 3} Additionally, the design avoided raising the grade on a residential section of Second Avenue. At MDOT’s request, HDR devised an innovative post-tensioned concrete tie girder system. This system provided redundancy and repairability and featured a specific shape to deflect over-height vehicle impacts, reducing their severity. ³

Construction on the new Second Avenue Bridge commenced in July 2022, following the demolition of the 1954 structure in 2020. ⁴ This project was part of MDOT’s extensive initiative to reconstruct Interstate 94 in Detroit.

Z Contractors prefabricated the bridge’s skeleton off-site in the Lot 22 parking lot at Wayne State University. ¹ Simultaneously, construction crews worked on-site, laying the foundation and building the abutment walls along Interstate 94. Upon completion, the 1,100-ton bridge was transported across Lot 22 to Second Avenue, where it was positioned over the interstate using self-propelled mobile transports provided by Mammoet. These versatile platforms, equipped with multiple axles, can adjust to varying elevations and terrain while ensuring the bridge remains level.

The new Second Avenue Bridge was officially inaugurated on October 27, 2023, after a news conference and grand opening attended by federal, state, and local leaders. ⁴ This bridge includes one lane for cars in each direction, along with nine-foot sidewalks and eight-foot bicycle lanes. ¹ It was completed at a total cost of $25 million, ² with substantial funding from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021. ⁴

The new Second Street Bridge received several prestigious awards in 2024, including: ³

• Outstanding Project of the Year (2024) by the American Society of Civil Engineers Southeast Michigan Branch
• Eminent Conceptor Award (2024) by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan
• National Recognition Award (2024) by the American Council of Engineering Companies
• Finalist for Bridge of the Year (2024) by the American Institute of Steel Construction
• Prize Bridge Award (2024) for the Medium Span Category by the American Institute of Steel Construction
• No. 4 Bridge (2023) by Roads & Bridges Magazine.

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Details

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Sources

1. “Fact Sheet.” Michigan Department of Transportation.
2. “Second Avenue Bridge.” Michigan Department of Transportation.
3. “Second Avenue Bridge Over I-94.” HDR.
4. Ramirez, Charles E. “Second Avenue bridge in Detroit officially reopens.” Detroit News, 27 Oct. 2023.