Advanced American Construction (AAC) was contracted by BNSF Railway and Hamilton Construction to perform the truss changeout of BNSF’s Fallbridge Subdivision Bridge 58.8 over the Wind River located in the Columbia Gorge.  This was an in-line replacement managed by BNSF Heavy Bridge Division utilizing Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) techniques in design and construction in order to limit track closure.

In addition to the marine changeout, AAC also performed installation and removal of the drilled shaft drill platforms and complete barge, crane & dock support for the buildup of the new truss at AAC’s Portland yard.  AAC worked together with Genesis Structures www.genesisstructures.com/ to utilize AAC’s marine equipment and value engineer the barge transportation of the new truss to the jobsite, barge ballasting removal of the existing truss and barge strand jacking and installation of the new truss during a compressed railroad outage.

Because of the complexity of the marine tow up through Bonneville Lock and Dam and pool elevations at the jobsite, AAC coordinated closely with USACE Bonneville Dam reservoir control, USCG and local fisheries.  All marine work was completed as planned, safely and without any environmental issues.