The Wakota Bridge Segmental Concrete Crosses the Mississippi

This paper will provide an overview of construction in progress for a major long span cast-in-place segmental bridge in Minnesota. The new Wakota Bridge consists of twin long span cast-in-place segmental concrete bridges that will carry I-494 over the Mississippi River in South St. Paul, Minnesota. The new bridges will each have 5-lanes and 2 full width shoulders, and will replace an existing 4 -lane structure that includes a tied arch main span. The bridge will incorporate the latest post -tensioning technology to ensure that the post-tensioning tendons are protected from corrosion during construction and in service. Year round construction in a region known for severe winter weather requires that cold-weather concreting practices be carefully implemented and monitored. Construction began in the spring of 2003 and is scheduled for completion in fall 2007.