Beginning in 2010, Alpha & Omega Group provided hydraulic and structural engineering design to replace a low-water ford bridge over Thorps Creek, in the Mortimer Campground of the Pisgah National Forest. The old ford bridge presented a flooding hazard in heavy rains and also blocked the passage of fish.

The low water ford bridge was replaced by a new bridge that spans the 100-year flood level, prevents flooding, and allows the safe passage of fish in Thorps Creek.

A&O managed survey and geotechnical investigation, designed, and prepared plans and specifications for a new structure to clear the 100-year flood elevation: a 35-foot span cored slab bridge and approach roadway according to AASHTO standards. Civil design included roadway, flood study, drainage, and erosion control to minimize sediment loading of Thorps Creek.

After the design was complete, the US Forest Service shelved the project. However, in 2019, the non-profit conservation group, Trout Unlimited, became involved, prioritizing the construction of the new bridge for the sake of wildlife preservation and fish habitat. A&O provided construction administration services to complete the new bridge, which opened in April 2021. Ω

Overview
 Client:

     US Forest Service
Location:

     Collettsville, NC
Subconsultants: 

 F&R – Construction materials testing
Contact:

     Andy Brown

     Coldwater Conversation Manager 

     Trout Unlimited 

     828-674-1067
Construction cost:

   $341,164
Start / completetion: 

   2010 (design)

   6/2020 (construction) – 4/2021
Project manager:

     Glenn Zeblo, PE
Construction manager: 

     Forrest Robbins
 

  Roadway design
Bridge design
Erosion control
Drainage
Grading and staking
Bidding assistance
Submittals
Estimate of probable construction cost
Construction administration
Documentation