Haven Avenue Grade Separation Project

Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

This project involved lowering a major six-lane roadway to separate the existing railroad tracks from vehicular traffic. The primary goals of this project were to improve traffic safety and to improve pedestrian and vehicular circulation. The contractor requested precast bridge columns because of the limited space between the bridge structure and shoring that was necessary to support the adjacent railroad tracks, and because of the critical schedule.

The precast method cut construction time by allowing the completion of concurrent construction. It also eliminated workspace constraints and enhanced the appearance of the columns. The sharp, clean lines of the precast girders, columns, and baluster railings and the overall mass of the structure are dramatic and eye catching. The detail of each component is even further enhanced by the contrast between the concrete and the bold color of the bridge.

This type of ornamental railing, bold color, massive columns, and curvilinear arches are often featured in world-class buildings and fine architecture. These elements set the bridge apart from the classical bridge design of “form follows function.”

Precaster: Pomeroy Corp.
Website: www.us-concrete.com

Engineer of record: PBS&J
Website: www.pbsj.com

Deck area: 7000 ft²
Bridge length: 172 ft
Longest span: 53 ft
Bridge width: 40 ft
Components:
The bridge superstructure consists of 44 precast, prestressed arched concrete box girders, simply supported at the abutments and bents.

Dimensions:
4 precast, prestressed arched concrete box girders 53' x 12.33' x 3.5'
4 precast, prestressed arched concrete box girders 33.25' x 12.33' x 3.5'
18 precast, prestressed arched concrete box girders 53' x 9.88' x 3.5'
18 precast, prestressed arched concrete box girders 33.25' x 9.88' x 3.5'

The concrete girders each weigh between 108,000 and 148,000 pounds depending on the length of the span. In total, 10 columns, 106 baluster bases, 642 balusters, 369 baluster caps, 4 precast concrete logo medallions, and concrete walls were constructed.

Dimensions:
6 columns 19' tall x 9' wide x 4.5' deep
4 columns 12.5' tall x 6' wide x 3' deep
106 baluster bases 4" x 12" x 48"
642 balusters 6" dia x 38" lg
369 baluster caps 4" x 13" x 48"
4 precast concrete logos 58" x 60" x 6"

4000 psi compressive strength concrete mix was used on all precast elements except the concrete girders, which were constructed with 6000 psi concrete. The structure is designed to support two trains passing simultaneously over the roadway.