how to build a floating bridge

Construction of a floating bridge especially the worlds longest floating bridge

presents some interesting and unique challenges and opportunities. Below are the

major steps it took to build this bridge.

Step 1: Start building the bridges

Step 2: Begin constructing a Step 3: Install anchors, such as

pontoons, anchors and precast staging area near Medina with these 100-ton fluke anchors, for

roadway sections in Aberdeen, construction barges and cranes.

the floating bridge.
Tacoma and Kenmore. Drive temporary piles in Lake
Washington.

Step 4: Begin towing pontoons Step 5: Install cofferdams near the

Step 6: Build East Approach
constructed in Aberdeen and lakes shore to build bridge piers
bridge piers inside cofferdams

Tacoma to Lake Washington. for the East Approach structure. and begin pontoon assembly in

a nearby staging area.

Step 7: Begin joining football-field

Step 8: Begin building the floating
Step 9: Continue assembling
-length longitudinal pontoons to
bridges superstructure atop the pontoons and constructing the

the bridges cross (or end) pontoons. The superstructure has

East Approach.
pontoon near the Medina 772 columns, 331 concrete
shoreline girders, and 776 precast roadway

deck sections

Step 10: Install a series of 190- Step 11: Complete roadway Step 12: Complete final testing,

foot-long girders that make up superstructure at the new floating inspections and commissioning,

the transition spans linking the bridges west end where it ties and then switch traffic onto the

floating bridge to its stationary into the interim West Connection new bridge.
approach bridges at both ends. Bridge and existing SR 520
highway in Seattle.