Thaddeus Kosciusko Bridge (Twin Bridges)

Project Details

• Owner: New York State Department of Transportation
• Contractor: The Lane Construction Corporation
• Completion Date: 2013
• Scope: 236 Concrete Deck Slabs

Project Overview

The Thaddeus Kosciusko Bridge, often referred to as the Twin Bridges, connects I-87 across the Mohawk River in upstate New York. Originally constructed in 1959 with concrete decks atop steel arch structures, the bridges underwent a significant rehabilitation as part of the New York State Department of Transportation’s (NYSDOT) Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) Program. This program strategically scheduled lane closures over weekends to minimize disruption to the thousands of commuters who rely on this route daily.

As the precast concrete supplier, The Fort Miller Co., Inc. played a pivotal role in delivering high-performance concrete mix solutions tailored for enhanced durability and structural efficiency. The project utilized 236 lightweight precast deck slabs, including 12 approach slabs, designed to improve load ratings while reducing overall bridge weight.

High-Performance Concrete Mix for Lightweight Precast Elements

A key innovation in this project was the custom high-performance lightweight concrete mix, developed by Fort Miller’s Ira Adler to meet NYSDOT’s stringent performance requirements. This specialized mix offered:

• Superior durability, ensuring extended service life in a high-traffic corridor
• Rapid strength gain, achieving 4000 psi within 18 hours and exceeding 7000 psi at 28 days
• 26% reduction in weight per precast piece, streamlining crane operations and installation efficiency

The Fort Miller team further supported NYSDOT’s accelerated construction schedule by supplying a high-performance rapid-set concrete mix for closure placements between precast elements. This mix achieved 3000 psi in under three hours, enabling quick and durable connections for both deck and barrier pieces. A final asphalt overlay provided a smooth, resilient driving surface, completing Fort Miller’s commitment to quality, innovation, and efficiency in bridge rehabilitation.

Through innovative concrete mix designs and precision-engineered precast solutions, Fort Miller successfully contributed to a faster, more efficient bridge rehabilitation process, reinforcing the benefits of high-performance concrete in modern infrastructure projects.