Overview
This 6,580-foot-long, multi-span bridge carries SR 2 (formerly known as Main Avenue) over the Cuyahoga River Valley is located in the City of Cleveland. DLZ was responsible for the annual physical condition inspection of the bridge from 2023 to 2025. The work included reach-all access to the upper portions of the superstructures, rope-access to the lower portions of the deck trusses, and manlift and ladder inspections of other superstructures on the non-truss spans including substructures.
about the bridge
This historically significant bridge was built in 1940 and is comprised of five sections referred to as the West Approach, Main Truss Spans, East Approach – Forward Section, East Approach – Lakefront Trestle Section, and East Approach ‐ Lakefront Ramp Section.
The West Approach: This section consists of east and west bound structures separated by the ramps at W. 28th Street. Each portion of the structure carries three lanes of traffic from near West 29th Street to 250 feet east of West 25th Street which then merge into one structure near West 25th Street. There are eight individual units with varying structure types. The four main structure types are: Transverse rigid concrete frames supporting a concrete deck slab, concrete stringers and diaphragms, longitudinal rigid steel frames supporting floorbeams and stringers, and a steel floorbeam/stringer system.
Main Truss Spans: Ten spans of two lines of cantilever Pratt deck style trusses. The truss spans vary from 200’ to 400’.
East Approach – Forward Section: This unit consists of a single span Pratt deck style truss (Span 11), and 14 spans of steel truss bents that support rolled steel floorbeams with rolled steel stringers bearing on top. Below the eastbound lanes there is a lower set of floorbeams that used to support a utility deck.
East Approach – Lakefront Trestle Section: This units consists of two lines of steel longitudinal rigid frames comprised of riveted built‐up beams and columns. Transverse floorbeams frame into the steel longitudinal rigid frames and support rolled stringers.
East Approach – Lakefront Trestle Section: This unit consists of three riveted, built‐up plate girders with rolled floorbeams and stringers.
