WNLP photos by Bob Wellinski
The “dogbone” reconfiguration of the U.S. 20/Ind. 2 intersection continues east of LaPorte. Hopes are that the new design will reduce the number of accidents and near-accidents for which that crossing was infamous.
Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019, marked a big day as eight beams were set for the new bridge. The precision work is fascinating to watch, so photo expert Bob went out to chronicle the Rieth-Riley construction experts at work. (Can you imagine having the job of standing there as one of those 21-ton beams is delicately lowered by a crane, then guiding it into place? Amazing.)
Adam Parkhouse of INDOT’s LaPorte office says the work is expected to wrap up in November.
And here’s a cool time-lapse video Adam posted of the beam setting on the INDOT Northwest Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/INDOTNorthwest/videos/717830218666755/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
Cranes hoist the first of eight beams for the newly constructed Ind. 2 and U.S. 20 bridge. Each beam weighs approximately 21 tons. Photo looking east on U.S. 20.
Cranes hoist the first beam.
A worker on the ground signals to the crew setting the beam.
Rieth-Riley crews set the first beam.
A different view of the beam coming down.
The second beam is set.
The final beam comes in.
A worker drills out a hole.
This angle gives you a good idea of just how big the beams are.
Precision is key,
Communication and teamwork are also key.
A worker welds one of the newly set beams.
The 8th of 8 beams is set into place.
The last beam is guided into place.
A worker checks elevation.
Looking west toward LaPorte from atop the new bridge.
All the beams are set.
Traffic flowing east on Ind. 2 as westbound traffic is held while a beam is placed. The old Ind. 2 exit can no longer be seen.
Indiana State Police holds eastbound traffic as a beam is placed.