In The News: Rainbow Bridge Reopens in Port Arthur, Texas, Following Rehabilitation

The Rainbow Bridge, a 7,752-foot cantilever through truss carrying TX 87 over the Neches River in Port Arthur, Texas, is set to reopen this month following a major rehabilitation. GFT advanced the project with an initial field assessment and development of plans, specifications, and estimates, followed by final rehabilitation design on a condensed nine-month schedule. The project improved safety and extended the life of the 88-year-old bridge, which plays a key role in regional mobility and freight movement. 

As part of GFT’s ongoing bridge inspection contract with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the department requested that the biennial inspection activities for the Rainbow Bridge be expedited to align with the rehabilitation work. GFT mobilized quickly to help avoid additional lane closures, deploying three under-bridge inspection units (snoopers) and dedicated rope access teams on short notice. This effort reflects our team’s responsiveness and consistent communication with TxDOT throughout the project.