City of Fairfield – BNSF Trail Bridge Over BNSF Railroad

This project consisted of constructing a new three-span 254’-0 x 10’-0 pretensioned prestressed concrete beam bridge to carry pedestrian traffic over the BNSF Railroad as part of the Fairfield Loop Trail. This project was very unique in that design work included a local artist and manufacturer to help incorporate aesthetic clay tiles in the curbs and a large, decorative fence enclosure that covers the full length of the bridge. Design utilized a combination of standard and custom details to provide a bridge that was the most economical for this particular site. Specifically, the concrete piers are founded on drilled shafts that extend below the ground into the very hard clay layers. The single, round columns allow for the maximum amount of clearance between the piers and the railroad tracks. This concept expedited construction also to minimize interference with the BNSF Railroad. The completion of this new crossing provided a vital link to both sides of the railroad tracks for the Jefferson County Trails Council. Allender Butzke Engineers provided geotechnical investigation services for the project.