FEATURED PROJECT: Panther Creek Bridge
Thompson Metal Fab shop fabricated the Panther Creek Bridge to replace the original bridge which was built in 1956. The Panther Creek Bridge has unique design aspects due to major environmental considerations for crossing the creek beneath it along Highway 101 in California.
The bridge was manufactured to Caltrans standard specifications and the estimated total weight of steel was 130-tons. TMF utilized a progressive shop assembly of bridge components for fit-verification purposes. The project required progressive deliveries, managed by TMF, starting Summer 2021 and into January 2022 to line up with the field schedule for installation.
Panther Creek is a tied arch bridge, meaning structural steel arches support the bridge deck (roadway) thanks to a series of cables interlocking the system together. Under the roadway is a series of TMF fabricated tie-girders. Instead of curved camber, the tie-girders are manufactured with a diamond shaped slope which allows for natural drainage to the pavement above.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Due to the sea-air environment, this bridge was galvanized and painted for corrosion protection purposes
- Dimensions: 168 ft long, 50 ft wide, height of arch at apex is 30 ft
- There are 14 floor beams
- Box arches: transitional dimensions ranging from 20”-24” x 34”
- Arches manufactured in 3 segments, connected with bolted splice plates
- TMF supplied spherical bearings, steel pins to connect cables to the bridge, socket brackets, all coatings including the finish coat, all fasteners, anchor rods, and weld studs