This Design Build project consisted of the replacement of the existing wooden railroad trestle (2,416 feet) between Morehead City and Radio Island, NC at the existing location. The replacement structure was constructed of concrete with full corrosion protection. The design was in accordance with A.R.E.A. Standard Specifications. Train traffic on the existing structure was required to be maintained during construction.
The project also required that the team prepare a State Environmental Assessment and prepare and obtain any permits necessary for the project.

McLean Contracting Company (the Contractor) and HNTB Corporation (the Engineer) teamed to successfully complete the first Design/Build project issued by the North Carolina DOT. This team was one of three teams short listed from a group of seven. The team provided a combination of the best technical proposal and the lowest price in two presentations (The first presentation was determined to be over budget, the specifications were modified and new proposals were submitted).

The team’s responsibilities included permit acquisition, scour analysis, geotechnical analysis, design, removal of the existing trestle, construction of the new trestle, maintenance of rail traffic, and construction inspection (QA/QC).

The team’s use of innovative pre-cast concrete sections allowed for rapid construction, low lifetime maintenance costs and no rail traffic disruption during construction.

North Carolina DOT has used this successful project as a template for subsequent Design/Build projects in the State.