JACKSONVILLE BRIDGE PROJECT NAMED FINALIST IN NATIONAL ENGINEERING COMPETITION

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. – April 14, 2009 – The Mathews Bridge deck replacement project designed by local firm RS&H and New York City-based Hardesty & Hanover for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has been named a national finalist in the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)’s 43rd annual Engineering Excellence competition. RS&H will accept the honor on behalf of the project team at a special awards gala on April 28, 2009, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington, D.C.

According to Jack Haynes, Bridge Service Group Leader for RS&H, the project replaced the open, steel grating system of Mathews Bridge with a solid deck for a smoother and more durable riding surface. The project is unique in that the team used an innovative Exodermic deck system, which offers several advantages over other solid decks, such as its lightweight, cost-effectiveness and ability to be constructed quickly.

“In Florida, the project is by far the largest application of an Exodermic deck system and its first use on a steel through truss bridge,” says Haynes. “It will benefit other similar aging bridges as states seek to rehabilitate them.”

Timothy Noles of Hardesty & Hanover notes the importance of the bridge to the local community and the ability of the team to minimize inconvenience during construction.

“We’re pleased at how successful the project was efficiently produced and constructed, which could not have occurred without a coordinated team and an excellent contractor,” says Noles. PCL Constructors Inc. completed the deck replacement in late 2007.
Opened in 1953, the bridge is the state’s oldest high-level cantilever truss bridge and is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. It continues to serve as major connector between the Arlington and Downtown Jacksonville areas.

The Mathews Bridge deck replacement project also received the Grand Award in its category from the Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers (FICE), the state affiliate of ACEC, announced last fall. The project and eight other Grand Award winners are competing for FICE’s Grand Conceptor Award, which will be announced at the annual FICE Banquet on August 7, 2009, at The Breakers in Palm Beach.
Judging for the national ACEC awards was conducted by a distinguished panel of 36 engineers and architects, along with representatives from government, media and academia. Criteria included uniqueness and originality, social and economic value, complexity, and success of the project in meeting its goals.

About RS&H:
With nearly 830 employees, RS&H is one of the nation’s leading facilities and infrastructure consulting firms whose client-centered program structure provides value-added solutions to clients around the world. With a tradition that began in 1941, RS&H has 30 offices and market sector programs, which include Aerospace and Defense, Aviation, Commercial, Institutional, Public Infrastructure and Transportation. Construction Engineering Inspection (CEI) services are provided through its wholly owned subsidiary, Reynolds, Smith and Hills, CS Incorporated. RS&H can be reached at 1.800.741.2014 or www.rsandh.com.