Kittery, Maine, Bridge Approach Demolition Continues

As construction continues full speed ahead, here is your weekly update provided by Archer Western Contractors.

As of last Friday, over on the Kittery side ride of the river, eight of the 10 steel superstructure spans on the Kittery approach structure had been removed. This week, the remaining spans and cap beams will be removed. In addition, demolition will begin on the concrete support columns. Removal of the concrete bridge abutment will also be completed this week.

On the Portsmouth side of the river, last week a test pile was drilled into the bedrock at the location where the Scott Avenue approach previously stood. The test pile was done to determine how far down into the rock the micropiles should be drilled. The micropiles will be drilled directly through the old piers, which are still located in the river. This is one of the project innovations to protect the environment and to expedite the schedule. The drill rig may be in place later this week.

And, if you are wondering what a micropile is - then continue reading. Micopiles or minipiles  (and less commonly referred to as pin piles, needle piles and root piles) are deep foundation elements constructed using high-strength, small-diameter steel casing and/or threaded bar. Micropile capacities in excess of 1,000 tons have been achieved. And, each micropile casing generally has a diameter in the range of three to ten inches.

In addition to these activities, Archer Western has been continually monitoring the vibration levels since construction transitioned to the land areas to ensure that vibrations do not rise above acceptable levels and they are able to continue to be good neigbors. The complete drilling process of the micropiles will take place from now through the summer.

Concerns or questions may be addressed to Carol Morris, Archer Western Public Outreach, at cmorris@morriscomm.net and don't forgot to check out the project website www.MemorialBridgeProject.com and sign up for facebook and twitter feeds.

Photo provided courtesy of Bill Moore. Thanks Bill!