Rapid Precision
September 10, 2024
The thunderous echoes of jackhammers and the orchestrated precision of heavy machinery marked the urgency surrounding the demolition and replacement of the Wellington Avenue Bridge that carried I-95 over Cranston, Rhode Island. This task fell into the capable hands of NDA member J.R. Vinagro, a renowned demolition company selected for its proven expertise in rapid bridge replacement.
The Project and its Execution
J.R. Vinagro, a site development and demolition company, was chosen to carry out the Wellington Avenue Bridge demolition. The selection was based on the company’s proven track record in performing expedited demolition for rapid bridge replacement and a competitive bid price.
The project commenced in August 2023, and the demolition was carried out over four consecutive weekends to minimize disruption. The equipment used included excavators with hammers and shears, with multiple machines staggered on the bridge deck to maximize efficiency. Loaders and additional excavators were stationed below the bridge, and a fleet of dump trailers removed debris as the demolition progressed.
The demolition process began with a saw cut to separate the section of the bridge being removed from the structure that would remain. Working from the center out, excavators removed the concrete bridge deck and subsequently the bridge beams. After the beams were taken down, the substructure saw cutting began. All concrete and steel debris was processed and recycled within the company’s yard in Johnston.
Aetna Bridge Company was the general contractor for the project. The J.R. Vinagro crew consisted of six operators and approximately 10 laborers, with additional saw cutters from subcontractor Pinnacle Concrete Cutting Corporation.
Challenges and Success
The project’s biggest challenges included the rapid time frame from contract signing to demolition initiation, as well as the strict 12-hour window for each of the four consecutive weekends. Despite these challenges, the project was completed successfully, with no injuries, and the efficient demolition work allowed the general contractor to complete its work ahead of schedule, opening the highway earlier than required.
“We completed our work within the time frame allocated within our contract with no injuries,” the company says. “The timely demolition work helped the general contractor to complete their work with time to spare, opening up the highway earlier than their contract required.”