H&H provided design services for the rehabilitation of the BNSF bridge over the Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal as part of the Chicago Regional Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program (CREATE). A project of national significance, CREATE is investing billions in critically needed improvements to increase the efficiency of the region’s passenger and freight rail infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for Chicago-area residents.

The project consisted of the structural rehabilitation of a 100-year-old, 151-foot-long rolling lift truss and the replacement of two 105-foot-long approach trusses. The bridge was not in use but was restored to a two-track bridge compliant with current AREMA design guidelines.

The approach rehabilitation included reconstruction and repair of the concrete and masonry substructure, replacement of existing approach spans with steel plate girders, replacement of existing bearings, and installation of new ballasted deck.

The lift truss was retrofitted to be fixed in the closed position, and the rehabilitation design includes repairs to existing counterweight, repair of existing floorbeams, replacement of stringers, replacement of traction bracing, replacement of live load bearings, and a new span lock.