This environmentally sensitive project was completed during several salmon runs in the Cedar River, one of the state’s environmental jewels.

Photo courtesy of Guy F. Atkinson Construction A bridge-rolling method enabled Guy F. Atkinson Construction to demolish a Cedar River bridge truss and assemble a new girder outside the riparian zone.

The project involved the removal of a 1914 steel truss bridge superstructure, modification of the substructure and placement of a half-million-pound steel girder superstructure.

Guy F. Atkinson Construction implemented a bridge-rolling method that allowed the demolition of the existing truss and assembly of the new girder to take place on land outside the riparian zone. Judges hailed the method as “innovative.”

Atkinson used the latest best-management practices to reduce erosion and manage stormwater flow. Despite the highly sensitive and potentially dangerous surroundings, Atkinson managed the entire construction process with no environmental infractions or accidents, and completed the project a month early.