Houston Main Street Bridge Demolition

With its contribution to a downtown Houston bridge project, Aggregate Technologies, Inc., is demonstrating once again it is the contractor of choice when it comes to complex concrete demolition jobs.

ATI is responsible for the partial demolition of the North Main Street bridge adjacent to the University of Houston as part of an ongoing project to extend the Metro's North Main light rail line.

The double-deck bridge was originally constructed in 1914 using cast-in-place concrete and square rebar, which has not been used in over 50 years. It was later upgraded with box beams and a 6-in. concrete slab overlay for a total deck depth of 36 in. ATI is demolishing and removing a 420-ft. span of the bridge, and partially demolishing some of the bents, the columns and crossbars that support the bridge structure.

In addition to the complexity of partially demolishing a structure that combines both antiquated and modern construction engineering, special care must be taken to ensure the safety of University of Houston students, as pedestrian access to campus must remain open throughout the project.

ATI is also providing "green" removal of debris from the project to minimize environmental impact on the White Oak Bayou below the bridge. Netting is in place to protect the waterway from falling rubble and, if needed, a long-boom excavator remains on standby should any debris reach the water. To further reduce environmental impact, all concrete and steel removed from the bridge will be recycled.

The Main Street bridge demolition is yet another example of ATI demonstrating its unrivaled capacity to handle the unique complexities of every job site – while ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally sound completion of each project.