American Bridge Recognized for Outstanding Engineering Achievements

PITTSBURGH – The Department of Public Works’ Philip Murray (South Tenth Street) Bridge rehabilitation project recently earned three prestigious awards. The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) honored the project with a National Recognition Award. The state chapter of ACEC, ACEC/PA, named the bridge project as a Diamond Award winner in the Structural Systems category. Additionally, the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers (PSPE) recognized it with an Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award. American Bridge Company was the general contractor for the project, and partnered with WSP USA to deliver the design-build scope of work.

The $21.1 million project, done with funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, included installation of a cutting-edge bridge cable dehumidification system. It is one of only three in use in the United States, and it will practically stop cable corrosion for the life of the bridge and save an estimated $4 million in future maintenance costs over the next 40 years.

“We are honored that the work by Public Works and our contractors on the Philip Murray Bridge is being recognized in this way,” said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “This innovative project would not have been possible without our many partners. By working together at the federal, state, and local levels, we have saved taxpayer money and extended the life of this vital public asset.”

The Philip Murray Bridge project was selected for a National Recognition Award by a distinguished panel of judges representing industry, government, academia, and media. Projects from around the country were rated based on their uniqueness, complexity, future value to the engineering profession, social and economic benefits, and more. The award will be presented on April 28 at the annual Engineering Excellence Awards gala in Washington, D.C., referred to as the “Academy Awards of the engineering industry.”

The Diamond Awards, meanwhile, were chosen in 12 categories by another set of judges from various backgrounds, and they honored projects that demonstrated a high degree of achievement, value, and innovation. Those awards were presented on February 27 at a ceremony in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

The Philip Murray Bridge project was entered for a National Recognition Award and Diamond Award by American Bridge Company, which was Public Works’ construction contractor for the project. Engineering consultant WSP also played a key role in the submissions.

“The bridge is an important part of American Bridge Company’s local history. From fabricating and erecting the span in the 1930s to our recent rehabilitation work, we’re proud to play a role in Pittsburgh’s infrastructure,” said Katherine Bucek, Project Manager at American Bridge Company. “This project should add years to the life of Pittsburgh’s only cable suspension bridge. Our client, partners, and entire team worked together to deliver a new technology to a classic bridge.”

The Philip Murray Bridge project was picked to receive an Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award by a committee of Pittsburgh Chapter of the PSPE contributors. They based their decision on the engineering skills required to complete the project and its benefit to the public. The award was presented at the organization’s Engineering Week Banquet on February 22 in Pittsburgh.

“Preserving and upgrading structures like the Philip Murray Bridge is such an important part of what we do in Public Works. It is an honor to be part of a great team, and we’re very pleased with how this project came together,” said Steve Shanley, PE, Public Works Director. “Thank you to the FHWA and PennDOT for making the project possible, and thank you to the ACEC, ACEC/PA, and the Pittsburgh Chapter of the PSPE for these tremendous awards. We are extremely grateful that our hard work and that of our partners has been recognized by such prominent organizations.”

The Philip Murray Bridge, which opened in 1933, is 1,275 feet long. An estimated 18,000 vehicles travel across it daily.

To watch a video about the bridge rehabilitation project, visit http://j.mp/PhilipMurrayBridge