Pezzi Road Bridge (29C0199) Improvments
Course Instructor
Luke Lee/Abel Fernandez
Abstract
The Pezzi Road Bridge (29C0199), originally constructed in 1926, is currently classified as functionally obsolete and does not meet modern safety or operational standards. The existing structure has a narrow roadway width and substandard alignment, creating significant concerns for vehicles and bicyclists. Sharp approach curves and limited sight distance further reduce driver safety and increase the risk of collisions. As traffic demands continue to evolve, improving this crossing has become necessary to enhance safety, increase operational efficiency, and provide a reliable transportation route for the surrounding area.
To address these deficiencies, KPSW Engineering provides a feasibility report evaluating three conceptual alternatives aimed at improving the performance and safety of the corridor. The first alternative focuses on improving traffic operations while maintaining the existing bridge structure. This approach includes vegetation removal to enhance sight distance, improved signage, and rehabilitation of the existing bridge deck to extend its service life. The second alternative introduces partial roadway realignment to better align the bridge entrances with the approach roads. This approach reduces the severity of turning movements and improves overall driver comfort while maintaining the existing bridge substructure. Similar to the first alternative, the bridge deck is rehabilitated to extend its functional life. The third alternative consists of full replacement of both the bridge and adjacent roadway segments. This design implements modern standards, including improved horizontal alignment, increased roadway width, and enhanced safety features.
To fully evaluate the alternatives in the feasibility report, KPSW is providing conceptual drawings for the approaches, engineering estimates, life cycle analysis, and cost benefit analysis. In addition, an evaluation is conducted to assess how effectively each alternative satisfies key functional requirements, including improving traffic safety, enhancing roadway geometry, maintaining efficient traffic operations, extending the life of the structure, and improving overall driver comfort and navigability. Environmental considerations, construction impacts, and right-of-way requirements are also taken into account during the evaluation process.
Based on the results of this analysis, the recommended alternative is the full replacement of the bridge and roadway. While this option has the highest initial cost and the lowest cost benefit ratio, it provides the most comprehensive and long term solution. This alternative fully addresses the existing safety and alignment deficiencies, significantly improves user experience, and eliminates the need for future major rehabilitation within the anticipated service life of the structure. As a result, it offers the greatest overall benefit to the community by prioritizing safety, reliability, and long-term performance.
Pezzi Road Bridge (29C0199) Improvments
The Pezzi Road Bridge (29C0199), originally constructed in 1926, is currently classified as functionally obsolete and does not meet modern safety or operational standards. The existing structure has a narrow roadway width and substandard alignment, creating significant concerns for vehicles and bicyclists. Sharp approach curves and limited sight distance further reduce driver safety and increase the risk of collisions. As traffic demands continue to evolve, improving this crossing has become necessary to enhance safety, increase operational efficiency, and provide a reliable transportation route for the surrounding area.
To address these deficiencies, KPSW Engineering provides a feasibility report evaluating three conceptual alternatives aimed at improving the performance and safety of the corridor. The first alternative focuses on improving traffic operations while maintaining the existing bridge structure. This approach includes vegetation removal to enhance sight distance, improved signage, and rehabilitation of the existing bridge deck to extend its service life. The second alternative introduces partial roadway realignment to better align the bridge entrances with the approach roads. This approach reduces the severity of turning movements and improves overall driver comfort while maintaining the existing bridge substructure. Similar to the first alternative, the bridge deck is rehabilitated to extend its functional life. The third alternative consists of full replacement of both the bridge and adjacent roadway segments. This design implements modern standards, including improved horizontal alignment, increased roadway width, and enhanced safety features.
To fully evaluate the alternatives in the feasibility report, KPSW is providing conceptual drawings for the approaches, engineering estimates, life cycle analysis, and cost benefit analysis. In addition, an evaluation is conducted to assess how effectively each alternative satisfies key functional requirements, including improving traffic safety, enhancing roadway geometry, maintaining efficient traffic operations, extending the life of the structure, and improving overall driver comfort and navigability. Environmental considerations, construction impacts, and right-of-way requirements are also taken into account during the evaluation process.
Based on the results of this analysis, the recommended alternative is the full replacement of the bridge and roadway. While this option has the highest initial cost and the lowest cost benefit ratio, it provides the most comprehensive and long term solution. This alternative fully addresses the existing safety and alignment deficiencies, significantly improves user experience, and eliminates the need for future major rehabilitation within the anticipated service life of the structure. As a result, it offers the greatest overall benefit to the community by prioritizing safety, reliability, and long-term performance.
