• Structural Design
• Construction Consulting & Monitoring
• Structural Condition Assessment
• Cost Estimation & Budgeting
Specialty Consulting, Inc. (SPC) designed and oversaw the construction of a covered pedestrian bridge spanning 100 feet over Cicero Avenue near 157th Street in Oak Forest, Illinois. Commissioned by METRA, this overpass facilitates pedestrian traffic crossing Cicero Avenue to reach the commuter train station.
The bridge's structural components include two 100-foot-long steel Vierendeel trusses supported by concrete piers on either side of Cicero Avenue. Designed as a 3-D space frame, the entire bridge structure was assembled on the ground and installed onto the piers within 12 hours. The overpass features window-like openings and a pitched shingle roof.
SPC provided comprehensive structural design services and was responsible for the coordination and preparation of design drawings, construction monitoring, and on-site consultation related to site conditions and the erection of the bridge structure.
One of the unique challenges of the project was the tight installation timeframe. The solution involved precise planning and assembly on the ground before a swift installation onto the piers. This approach ensured minimal disruption to Cicero Avenue traffic and efficient completion of the project.
