How Much Does It Cost to Build A Bridge Over A Highway?

How Much Does It Cost to Build A Bridge Over A Highway?

How Much Does It Cost to Build A Bridge Over A Highway?

How Much Does It Cost to Build A Bridge Over A Highway?

 

Bridge Cost Estimating

There are different types of costs associated with the construction of bridges, and it all depends on several factors, including terrain, geography, complexity, and remoteness of the location.

Common Types of Bridges

Apart from these factors, the total cost also depends on the type of bridge. Some common type of bridges includes

  1. Cable-Stayed Bridge
  2. Cantilever Bridge
  3. Arch Bridge
  4. Composite Bridge
  5. Footpath Bridges
  6. Suspension Bridge
  7. Extra dosed bridge

 Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) bridges are most easy to build and are the cheapest type of bridge; however, economics is not the only thing deciding the bridge’s type. It should be technically feasible to construct the structure as well.

Typically, the type of structure is decided based on the clear bridge span length required in the given conditions. Reinforced cement concrete bridge offers the lowest span lengths, whereas suspension bridge offers the longest span.

Other than that, bridge cost also depends on the depth of foundation, water discharge in the river, among other things.

Therefore, basically, the point is that you cannot just employ a formula to calculate the cost of a bridge. You need to consider different options based on ground realities and then arrive at the most cost-effective way, which is also technically feasible.

Bridges constructed over a highway are often what we call pedestrian bridges that serve the purpose of linking one side of the road/highway to the other. Again, pedestrian bridges can be more than just crossing structures and, in many cases, it can be a piece of structural beauty and a gateway that connects people. Thus, sometimes the overall cost and benefits of building a pedestrian bridge are not fully considered d. Therefore, there is an opportunity to relook and consider the purpose, costs, and funding of building pedestrian bridges.

Purpose of the Pedestrian Bridge

Pedestrian bridges can be critical for linking two locations: large schools, shopping centers, parking garages, recreational facilities, and the railway station. A pedestrian bridge is important for linking two points separated by highways or freeways, where zebra crossing is not permitted.

Besides, pedestrian bridges can be used for trail crossings.

Summarily, pedestrian bridges can be used in 3 situations that include;

  • Crossing over highways
  • Crossing natural physical obstacles like a river
  • Crossing railroads.

How Much Does It Cost to Build A Bridge Over A Highway?

Over highway bridges and tunnels can be costly to design and construct. According to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, Pedestrian bridges is known to be among the most expensive consideration for crossings.

A standard crossing of a multilane roadway costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. It is basically because of the bridge’s height, which requires long ramps for the facilities to be accessible to pedestrians with disabilities. Therefore, pedestrian bridges can cost less and work best when the crossing is over a sunken or lowered roadway—other considerations such as drainage problems, security issues, lighting needs, and maintenance.

How much then does it cost to build a bridge over a highway?/ bridge cost per square foot

It is estimated that the cost of pedestrian bridges over a highway range from $150 to $250 per square foot and the sum total cost of approximately $1 million to $5 million per complete over the highway bridge built (According to Federal Highway Administration).

It is worth noting that the cost for specific types of bridges can vary significantly depending on the factors such as design, complexity, length, materials, and other factors. Also, note that ADA guidelines require that all facilities be accessible to all users, including wheelchairs and the visually impaired. These guidelines may increase the costs of bridge construction.

One pedestrian bridge manufacturer charge based on the linear foot, from between $500 to over $2,000 per linear foot. The two most widely used materials are RCC Concrete and pre-fabricated steel.

 

 

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