Wagman Heavy Civil Project

I-95 over the Meherrin River

Posted by Alyssa Girouard
September 2019 Aerial view of the project looking north
September 2019 Completed Aerial view of the project
September 2019 Aerial view of the project looking south
December 2018 NB Bridge Opens to Traffic
August 2018 Aerial View
August 2018 Aerial View
August 2018 Aerial View
August 2018 Aerial View
August 2018 Aerial View
July 2018 Aerial View
July 2018 Aerial View
January 2018 Cofferdams and Drilled Shafts
April 2017 Installation of stay-in-place Metal Decking and Overhand Forms at Abutment B
September 2016 Aerial View of Project Looking South
September 2016 Cleaning Out Core Barrel From Drilling Shafts for Pier 2 Southbound
July 2016 Pier 3 Southbound Column Forms

  • Location

    Emporia, VA

  • Duration

    January 2016 - October 2019

The Meherrin River bridge replacement project was a $22M project for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to replace a pair of aged bridge structures on I-95 over the Meherrin River. The project used a phased construction plan that allowed VDOT to maintain two northbound and southbound lanes of traffic on I-95 throughout construction.

A multi-phased construction sequence required that the new 5-span southbound bridge structure be built next to the existing southbound bridge, followed by northbound traffic shifting onto the old southbound bridge. Demolition occurred of the existing northbound bridge and a new 5-span northbound bridge was built in its place. The final phase of the project called for demolition on the existing southbound bridge.

Wagman’s Geotechnical Construction group had a significant role on the project and provided the installation of temporary support of excavation, pile driving and cofferdam construction.

Key Challenges & Project Details

  • Rising river levels due to heavy rainfall throughout the project duration was challenging. Wagman proactively monitored river level forecasts, giving crew members as much advanced notice as possible to move materials and equipment as necessary so they would not get damaged.
  • Wagman self-performed the installation of twelve 60” diameter drilled shaft caissons on the project.