Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change: The Loxahatchee River Movable Bridge Replacement

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, our team immediately began developing plans for a complete bridge replacement. We took on the role of designer for both the fixed and movable spans, addressing structural, mechanical, and electrical systems. Flexibility became a key asset in meeting the evolving project needs. 

“Demonstrating the nimbleness of our design team, they prioritized design efforts based on the delivery schedule, focusing on long-lead elements like structural steel girders and major mechanical components to allow Brightline early procurement,” said Scott Gammon, Senior Vice President for Brightline. 

This strategic focus helped to compress the construction timeline, ensuring that work could move forward without delays. Brightline also requested revisions to one approach span, transforming it into a Small Boat Span with higher overhead clearance to improve navigation for local mariners. We revised the design to provide relief for boaters while still meeting the demands of the railway system.

As work progressed, another significant change emerged. Brightline and FECR decided to replace the bridge’s foundations and substructure. Our team was tasked with redesigning the bridge supports and girders to accommodate these new conditions. Adding to the complexity, the steel girders for the original design had already been fabricated and paid for. The project team worked to minimize changes to the pre-purchased girders by creatively reusing the structural steel, ensuring that no wasted materials would affect the project’s financial standing. 

As Gammon noted, “The design team demonstrated the utmost respect for Brightline’s budget by incorporating a redesign which reused all the pre-purchased and fabricated structural steel. In one last show of their flexibility, our team was literally redesigning specific foundations in hours when atypical pile-driving results were encountered during construction.”

The project’s outcome restored the bridge to double-track operation, increasing capacity to accommodate Brightline’s high-speed passenger rail service. These upgrades have significantly improved reliability and operational efficiency for both trains and local mariners. Boaters now benefit from increased overhead clearance and improved bridge operations, reducing disruptions to their navigation.

Over the course of our 10-year relationship with Brightline, we have built a foundation of trust and partnership. This project underscored the importance of long-term collaboration and open communication. 

“Brightline could not be more pleased with the ten-year relationship we have forged with the Consultant. Their consistent demonstration of true partnership, flexibility, and responsiveness were vital to the success of this project,” said Gammon. 

The success of the Loxahatchee River Bridge replacement is a testament to the dedication and skill of project teams coming together to solve complex and evolving issues.

The Loxahatchee River Bridge replacement was honored with the ENR Southeast Award of Merit for Excellence in Safety, as part of Brightline’s Florida Higher-Speed Rail initiative. In addition, it received the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) 2024 National Recognition Award, further acknowledging the innovative engineering solutions and technical expertise that defined the project. These accolades highlight an unwavering commitment to delivering safe, high-quality infrastructure that benefits both the client and the broader community.