Interstate 20 (I-20) plays a critical role in serving local travelers and the oil and gas industry, yet it has long experienced recurring congestion. To address capacity and safety concerns, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is overseeing a project to widen this section of the interstate.

Project contractor Sundt Construction needed an efficient method to move concrete from its batch plant on one side of I-20 to the opposite side of the highway, where placement was required. To meet this challenge, Acrow implemented a cost-effective, durable structure to improve safety and productivity, shortening the overall construction schedule.

Acrow designed the structure based on Sundt’s concept for an abutment-free aerial bridge featuring a conveyor system, with the Acrow panel bridge supported on stilts. The contractor provided the sub structure components, including the stilts and approaches. The bridge was assembled on site and lifted into position using a crane.

Acrow’s single-span bridge is 100 feet (30.48m) long with a width of 12 feet (3.67m). Sundt supplied and installed the structure’s timber deck and designed the concrete conveyor system, which supports the loads of the conveyor equipment, concrete materials and the construction crew responsible for the system’s  operation. The temporary bridge is expected to be in service for approximately two years, until the widening project is complete.

This project demonstrates Acrow’s expertise in delivering durable, custom-engineered solutions for even the most specialized applications. Considering the significance of I-20 to the region, minimizing construction-related impacts was a key priority for Sundt Construction and TxDOT as they advanced efforts to increase capacity, improve interchanges, and enhance roadway safety. The modular steel bridge helps achieve these goals by enabling more efficient operations, shortening the overall project schedule, and limiting inconvenience to motorists.