A project close to home! Kraemer North America (KNA) was selected to complete the bridge deck replacement for State Hwy 23 over the Wisconsin River near Spring Green, WI. KNA contracted with Westbrook Associated Engineers, Inc. (WAE) to create an alternate concrete deck pour sequence to accelerate the construction of this project.  Westbrook’s office is only two miles from the bridge, and WAE visited the site during each stage of the revised pour sequence. The bridge is expected to open to one-lane traffic mid-June.

Westbrook is proud to be a part of this project, which is vital to our local community. We look forward to the completion of the project by KNA and continue to find new ways to serve our local community.

 

Westbrook Associated Engineers provided engineering services to ICC Group and DemTech (blasting services) for the demolition of Sandy Ford Bridge over the Vermilion River in Lasalle County, Illinois. Sandy Ford, built in 1958, was a 192-foot single-span Pratt through truss with a 50-foot approach span on either side. After 62 years of faithful service, it was decided that the bridge was not fit for use anymore as it was narrow and contained fracture critical members (FCM) that didn’t meet the current bridge standards.

The bridge was closed when demolition began in March of 2021. The deck and approach spans were removed prior to blasting the truss. After blasting, all five fallen truss sections were cut into smaller pieces and removed with a crane. Engineering services provided by Westbrook included calculations to determine blast locations, engineered means and methods for removing deck and approach spans, and calculations showing that the existing bridge could support the necessary equipment for demolition. It was replaced by a 200-foot single-span composite bridge in 2021.

Check out our Facebook or LinkedIn page for a slow motion video of the demo!

The Wells/Wentworth Connector is part an ongoing, large-scale urban development project in downtown Chicago. The urban development project, nicknamed ‘The 78’, entails the development of a 62-acre site along the banks of the Chicago River and is proposed to be the future home of a multitude of new residences, businesses, and parks.

At the heart of this development, is the connection and realignment of existing Wells Street and Wentworth Avenue to provide access throughout the development. This realignment required two new bridges to be designed and built to carry the METRA and CN rail lines, as well as nearly 1,400 linear feet of permanent retaining wall. Westbrook’s involvement in the project involved design of the permanent 2-track through plate girder bridge over Wells Street as well as the design of the nearly 1,400 linear feet of permanent retaining walls. Westbrook also provided a significant amount of construction engineering design including the design of temporary earth retention structures, two bridge roll-ins, railroad jump spans, etc.

Photo courtesy of: F.H. Paschen

We are pleased to announce that Westbrook Associated Engineers, Inc. is under new ownership that consists of Andrew Knutson and Aaron Palmer.

Andy Knutson has been appointed as Westbrook Associated Engineers, Inc.’s new CEO and President, and Aaron Palmer will be the Vice President and CFO.

Andy Knutson started with Westbrook in 1999 and previously served as Vice President and Structural Project Manager.    Andy obtained a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1995, and a Master of Science in Structural Engineering in 1997, both from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. He is a registered Professional Engineer (PE) in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois (SE),Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Mr. Knutson has experience in designing construction falsework and shoring systems, bridge demolition and erection procedures, bridges, rating existing bridges, developing repair procedures for rehabilitation of existing structures, marine engineering, and residential and commercial buildings.  He also has extensive experience in forensic engineering and failure analysis including structural collapse of buildings, bridge structures and industrial, commercial, marine and agricultural facilities.  Westbrook regularly handles forensic projects involving proper material usage, proper drainage, and temporary shoring during construction, as well as fire, flood, hail and wind damage. He is familiar with all applicable structural design codes, including AASHTO Standard Specification for Highway Bridges and AASHTO Guide Specification for Bridge Temporary Works, AREMA, ASCE,  AISC, ACI, IBC, and is an OSHA qualified person.

Aaron Palmer will retain his role as Vice President and be appointed WAE’s CFO.  He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1996 from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, IL.  He has over 20 years of professional experience and has effectively managed projects for the federal, state and local governments.  He has also worked with private developers to deliver their projects within their allotted budget and time frame.

Mr. Palmer is a Professional Engineer in Wisconsin and Illinois.  He is also a Federal Highway Administration certified bridge inspector.  He has performed over 750 routine and fracture critical bridge inspections in his career and has also served as the Bridge Program Manager for various counties and municipalities in Wisconsin.

Mr. Palmer is responsible for all construction administration and inspection projects, all highway design services, and for the overall management of all local program bridge rehabilitation and replacement design projects completed by Westbrook.  Aaron also serves as Westbrook’s Quality Control / Quality Assurance engineer overseeing all site development and highway designs reviewing the plans and construction documents for constructability and completeness.

“Plan the work…work the plan!” One of the many memorable quotes Jeff left us with during his nearly 33 years here at Westbrook Associated Engineers, Inc.

As of today, March 1, 2021, Jeff Koch has officially retired. We are forever grateful for his many years of service, vast knowledge, mentorship, and experience. His many contributions will be valued and remembered.

On behalf of the entire company we wish Jeff congratulations on his retirement and the best of luck in his new chapter of life! Enjoy all your travels and the time with your family!