Project Overview
The bridge carrying Quaboag Street over Dunn Brook is a three-span concrete slab structure supported on timber pile bents. The bridge was closed due to twelve severely deteriorated timber piles. Collins assisted the Town of Brookfield in applying for MassWorks grant funding.
Due to grant funding availability and the competitive nature of these grants, funds received can differ from need. Based upon funding, Collins worked with the town to modify the scope of the project and arrive at a solution that restored the bridge to a safe and operational condition and fit their budgetary constraints. Collins provided the preliminary and final design of permanent pile repairs consisting of an externally bonded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite system. Timber cross bracing for each bent was also replaced. Because repairs were made in the water, the environmental permitting process was extensive. Collins’ deliverables included wetland delineation and technical documentation identifying impacts to surrounding wetlands and habitats. This enabled the town to complete all required local, state, and federal permits (local ConCom, MassDEP, USACOE, MESA).