Transportation Portfolio

Project
Originally constructed in 1961, the S-curve was engineered around a hospital and public housing project. However, the three-quarter-mile stretch of interstate required motorists to slow to 40 mph, and soon that portion of I-59 had reaped a history of tragic accidents, traffic jams, and even fatalities.

Garver studied two alternative routes and designed a project that reconstructed I-59 along a new alignment, crossing six streets and a railroad track. The project included a 1,980-foot, six-lane, elevated bridge structure that featured horizontal reverse curves with greater radii. In addition, 1,350 feet of elevated ramps—two on-ramps and one off-ramp—connected to the elevated portion of the bridge. Due to a significant spike in structural steel prices, Garver redesigned the structure using prestressed concrete. The design provided for continuous operation of four lanes throughout construction.

• Roadway and bridge design
• Comprehensive construction plans and phasing
• Traffic signalization
• Overhead and understructure lighting
• Signage