Figure 14 - Otay River Bridge (photo courtesy of International Bridge Technologies, Inc.). Figure 15 - Otay River Bridge (photo courtesy of International Bridge Technologies, Inc.). Figure 16 - Otay River Bridge (photo courtesy of International Bridge Technologies, Inc.).

The graceful lines of the Otay River Bridge are emerging in San Diego, California, as construction of the bridge moves into its final phase. The bridge is a critical link in the South Bay Expressway, a new highway that is being built to connect the busy Otay Mesa border crossing with the southern California freeway network. The Otay River Bridge is being built in the balanced cantilever method. Erection is proceeding on two parallel alignments simultaneously, employing an erection truss that can shift from one alignment to the other after each cycle. This allows post-tensioning operations to proceed on one alignment while segments are being positioned on the other. The bridge includes three mid-span closure joints, where continuity is achieved via internal steel beams. All cast-in-place concrete substructure elements are now complete, and only two of the eleven piers remain for superstructure erection. Precasting operations are complete, though segments are still in storage at the precasting facility located in Perris, CA, roughly 80 miles north of the bridge site. Segments are hauled by trailer to the bridge site, where a limited number of segments are stored prior to erection. Progress photos and a bridge webcam can be seen at www.southbayexpressway.com. Participants: Project Owner: California Transportation Ventures Contractor: Otay River Constructors, a joint venture of Washington Group International and Fluor. Gantry Supplier: Rizzani de Eccher Designer: International Bridge Technologies, Washington Infrastructure Services International