Lochner Is Proud to Participate in 2021 International Bridge Conference

This week, Lochner Senior Structural Engineers Brian Byrne and Robert Hong as well as Human Resources Generalist Meghann O’Connor presented at the 2021 International Bridge Conference (IBC). Jane Patton, Lochner’s Pittsburgh Office Manager, served as IBC Conference Chair. The virtual conference was hosted by the Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania (ESWP) and was attended by more than 850 participants.

On Tuesday, Robert Hong, PE, SE, participated in “Planning and Design of the I-294 Mile Long Bridge.” Joined by representatives from the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority and project partner HDR, Robert discussed the replacement of the Mile Long Bridge, which carries the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) over multiple railroads, waterways, and local roads in suburban Chicago Illinois. The new dual structures consist of 27 spans with a total length of 4,828 feet. The bridges are now being reconstructed as part of the Illinois Tollway’s $4 billion Move Illinois capital program. The bridge will use the longest prestressed concrete spans (187 feet) and longest steel spans (410 feet) on the entire tollway system.

On Wednesday, Meghan O’Connor moderated a panel discussion on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with representatives from a state government, department of transportation, design consultant firm, and bridge contractor. The workshop centered around the initiatives, training, and employee surveys/focus groups each organization has implemented to address DEI.

Brian Byrne, PE, presented “Idaho Bridge Slides 2.0,” which focused on the replacement of two interstate bridges in Boise, Idaho. When the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) needed to replace two mainline bridges on Idaho’s heaviest volume highway, the department was concerned about the increased risk of vehicle accidents and traffic snarls associated with conventionally staged construction techniques. Brian discussed Lochner’s design, which incorporated slide-in-bridge construction to minimize closures and significantly reduce traffic impacts.

On Thursday, Brian presented again on the “Rehabilitation of the Rockville Truss.” A defining and adored landmark, the Rockville Bridge was constructed in 1924 by the National Park Service and is Utah’s only remaining Parker Through Truss bridge still open to vehicles. While the 220-foot-long bridge provides critical access over the Virgin River, deterioration had led to a reduced load posting of 14 tons and discussions of possible replacement. Brian discussed the unique efforts of Rockville citizens to save the bridge as well as Lochner’s design to successfully preserved it for future generations.