Bridge steels the show

News

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced the completion of a new bridge in Lake Villa, Lake County, constructed with a groundbreaking type of high-performance steel.

The

(IDOT) has announced the completion of a new bridge in

,

, constructed with a type of high-performance steel developed by engineering researchers at

.

About 500 tons of the copper alloy steel, known as ASTM A710 Grade B high-performance structural steel, was used in constructing the 430-foot span that carries Illinois Route 83 over Canadian National Railroad tracks. While some landscaping work remains, the bridge opened in its normal traffic pattern yesterday.

‘IDOT is excited about the possibilities presented by this new type of cost-efficient, high-performance steel developed right here in Illinois,’ said IDOT Secretary Timothy W. Martin. ‘Not only is this steel strong, tough and easy to fabricate, but it withstands the elements better than typical steel, meaning it doesn't have to be painted. This makes construction easier and will significantly reduce long-term maintenance costs.’

IDOT is in the process of applying to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) to have this steel designated as standard for bridge construction.

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