Liberty Memorial Bridge

After a two year construction process, people on the river between Bismarck and Mandan can now enjoy a pleasant changeover in views with the new Liberty Memorial Bridge. Instead of massive trusses clouding the skyline, a sleek and gentle structure now takes its place to the wonder and awe of the observer. But to the commuter or delivery truck driver, the new bridge means more. These include convenience, speed, and safety to get from one side of the river to the other; and for this, we mean for now and into the distant future.

Engineers talk about the new bridge lasting 100 years. While hard to imagine, a close look at the design, care and effort put into this new edifice could reveal notions of this possibility. Clearly, effort was made to make the concrete strong and durable to get the longest possible life. Low water/cement ratios, meaningful flyash enhancements to mixes, and effective Quality Control and Quality Assurance practices made for a great start to a long life. To reach these long life goals through the construction process, the contractor, ready mix supplier and engineers were able to tap into concrete technology to meet quality construction needs in both hot weather and freezing winter temperatures, or for the mass concrete pours in the piers and abutments. When pumping the high performance concrete the long distance from the river bank to the center of the bridge at mid river, stout hearts were necessary to first design the mixes, and then get and keep the concrete flowing for placement, consolidation and finishing. Learning on the job was a necessary part of everyone’s routine to ultimately solve the myriad of construction issues and finish this massive job on time to the relief of everyone.

Our new bridge now leaves us in awe of the 2,360 feet of length abutment to abutment. A total of 19,233 cubic yards of concrete are hidden somewhere, both above water and below. The traveler can now take advantage of two travel lanes in each direction, and the pedestrian has a 10 foot wide walkway on the south side with five pier overlooks. The massive center section of the bridge is over 285 feet in length, with a total of 14 spans on 13 piers, with 6 piers located in the river. The gracefully flowing piers seem to rise from the river like fountains, providing an aesthetic impact not normally found in a river bridge. Congratulations to a great effort and a project to be etched into our memory for a long time.