Anthony Wayne Bridge Construction Engineering and Inspection Services

Project Date: 2016 – 2018

The Anthony Wayne Bridge, also known as the High Level Bridge, is a 3,218-foot-long suspension bridge in Toledo, OH spanning the Maumee River. The bridge was constructed in 1931 and connects Clayton Street to Woodville Road carrying Ohio State Routes 2, 51, and 65.  This bridge has three suspended spans.  The main span is 785 feet long and the two side spans are 233 feet long.  The bridge also features Warren deck truss approach spans that are adjacent to the suspended side spans.

In 2013, ODOT, the owner of the structure and the City of Toledo started Phase 1 which was a $30M deck replacement and major steel repair to rehabilitate the structure..  Phase 1 was completed in 2015. In 2016, for Phase 2, ODOT contracted with United Coating and Lining (UCL) to repair structural steel and paint the entire structure for $12.5M.

TIS Responsibilities for the Anthony Wayne Bridge Construction Engineering and Inspection Services Project.

True Inspection Services (TIS) received the Construction Engineering and Inspection services contract for the project.  As the painting contractor performed the work cleaning the existing steel, TIS inspected the blasted surface for any coatings issues or structural issues that could not be seen during Phase 1.  The structural issues included, stress fractures, steel delamination and rivet loss. When areas were found where steel needed to be replaced, TIS documented and coordinated with the contractor to make the steel corrections. TIS oversaw daily operations of staff, project schedules, reviewed change orders and force account documentation, managed materials, reviewed daily inspection reports, and attended progress and dispute resolution meetings.

This project brought unique challenges given that it is over navigable waters where ships, including the Coast Guard passed through. Also, there were other variables to work around, such as preserving the historic integrity of the bridge, MOT, temperature, water levels, high winds, and traffic.