Revitalizing a vital connection in New Castle, Indiana! The SR 103 bridge over I-70, originally built in 1964, recently underwent a major rehabilitation led by RQAW | DCCM in partnership with INDOT. Our innovative design addressed severe deterioration, prioritized cost savings, and accelerated delivery, all while minimizing community disruption. By maintaining vertical clearance for future I-70 widening and reusing existing piers and piles, we upgraded the bridge to meet modern safety standards without raising the grade. The project successfully navigated nearby schools, utilities, and other construction, delivering lasting improvements for the community.
The bridge was originally constructed as a four-span structure; however, after years of heavy use, the bridge became outdated and no longer met current crash standards. These challenges called for a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy that addressed safety concerns, managed costs, and accommodated future expansion. RQAW | DCCM’s design approach delivered targeted solutions to restore the bridge’s integrity and support the community’s long-term needs.
Innovative Design Solutions
To minimize costs and streamline construction, RQAW | DCCM implemented several innovative techniques, including:
Steel beams to reduce structure depth, eliminating the need for a grade raise on SR 103 while accommodating vertical clearance for future I-70 lane expansion.
Reusing existing piers and piles saved INDOT over $1.5 million in materials, including new pavement.
Rubblizing slope walls and grouting in place to address deterioration and prevent future erosion, while avoiding conflicts with a nearby Meta utility line.
Superstructure design allowed the reuse of the existing curb on roadway approaches, reducing unnecessary removal and replacement costs. These strategies ensured a durable, future-ready design while reducing environmental and economic impacts.
Community and Safety Impact
The SR 103 bridge serves a highly trafficked corridor near schools and local businesses. RQAW | DCCM prioritized safety and connectivity by:
- Upgrading guardrails and barriers to meet MASH standards.
- Maintaining two lanes of traffic on I-70 during construction to minimize disruption.
- Scheduling work during winter months to accelerate delivery and reduce costs. Ultimately, the project was completed one year ahead of schedule, reinforcing our commitment to community-focused design.
Complexity and Coordination
Collaboration and innovation were at the heart of the SR 103 bridge rehabilitation in New Castle, Indiana. The design team worked closely with multiple stakeholders and coordinated around nearby projects, including new message board foundations and other ongoing construction. With just two months’ notice, the required precise planning and teamwork were needed to accelerate the schedule by a full year to align with an adjacent I-70 lane expansion.
This achievement highlights engineering excellence, cost efficiency, and sustainable design. By blending creative solutions with practical reuse of existing bridge elements, RQAW | DCCM delivered a rehabilitation project that came in under budget, meets current safety standards, and supports the region’s future infrastructure needs.
Team Leadership
Rose Walther, PE
Director of Bridge Services
Rose has 10+ years of experience and continually provides RQAW | DCCM clients with exceptional communication, attention to detail, and focus on providing unique solutions. As Director of Bridge Services, these skills and a wide array of project experience in rehabilitations, repairs, new construction, and retrofitting, Rose provides clients with solutions that often result in time and cost savings. She has been active in conducting and managing Consultant Plan Reviews for the past five years and is also an INDOT-certified utility coordinator.