Lesner

The Lesner Bridge, built in 1958, connects Virginia Beach with the Virginia Bay area, spanning Lynnhaven Inlet via US Route 60. Deemed structurally deficient, it was to be removed and replaced by a dual span precast bridge. Requiring a contactor capable of handling all aspects of the removal, McLean Contracting, the general contractor on the job, called on Cutting Technologies (CTI) to provide specialty demolition services.

CTI’s scope-of-work included sectioning and removing the entire bridge, from the superstructure down to the foundations 40’ beneath the water line. CTI’s engineer devised a cutting plan that first separated the slab and integrated diaphragms and beams into large, longitudinal sections that were rigged and lowered onto a modified flatbed, enabling their removal and processing offsite.

Then, working with divers, CTI core drilled diamond wire access holes 20’ below the water before wire sawing and removing the pier caps, piers and piles. Lastly, CTI’s technicians went to work on the foundations, cutting them into manageable pieces and removing them at the mudline.

The worksite presented a challenge, in that it was a busy channel, forcing the crew to contend with maritime traffic and currents of more than six knots. However, working from spud and jack barges, CTI was able to safely complete the work within schedule and budget, keeping the construction of the new bridge right on track. This project has been featured in ENR, Roads and Bridges and Constructioneer.