The Nice-Middleton Bridge Project replaced the existing bridge over the Potomac River as it widens into the Chesapeake Bay it spans is over 9,900 ft (3,018 m) long from abutment to abutment.
This superstructure includes roadway realignment and construction of approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) on either side of the bridge. The improved span has four 12 ft (3.6 m) wide driving lanes and a navigation span of 350 ft (107 m) to accommodate tall vessels.
Being one of the state’s largest transportation initiatives, the Nice-Middleton Bridge Project improves and allow better traffic flow, mobility, and safety for southern Maryland and northeastern Virginia. An All-Electronic Tolling (AET) system replaces toll booths, eliminating lane-shifting safety issues. The old existing bridge will be demolished and used to create artificial reefs in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
SYSTRA IBT served as Design Quality Manager and Independent Checking Engineer responsible for ensuring design compliance of the bridge structure. The role also includes independent design calculations of major structural elements, including the longer spans, tall piers, and deep foundations with piles driven up to 200 ft into the riverbed.
