Jupiter, FL

Loxahatchee Moveable Bridge Rehabilitation

Client: Brightline
Our Role: Designer for Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical Systems

A moveable bridge crossing a body of water that has opened to allow boats to pass through.

The Loxahatchee Moveable Bridge, a vital piece of infrastructure spanning the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter, Florida, had served for over 100 years. Initially, the goal was to rehabilitate the existing structure in line with Brightline’s development plans and Florida East Coast Railway’s (FECR) operations. However, over time, the bridge’s deteriorating condition and the growing demand for reliable passenger rail service raised concerns about its ability to meet the increasing transportation needs of the region. The bridge’s design, which required modernization to support both freight and Brightline’s passenger rail, needed significant upgrades to ensure its longevity and safety.

Our team initially performed a comprehensive inspection of the Loxahatchee Moveable Bridge and made recommendations for the rehabilitation and replacement of critical components. The work was closely coordinated with Brightline’s management team and FECR. After a three-year hiatus in design development, the condition of the bridge had worsened, prompting a decision to replace the entire superstructure.

Our team provided design services for the fixed and movable span, addressing structural, mechanical, and electrical systems. Once the superstructure design was complete and the structural steel fabricated, it was determined that the approach span substructures would also need to be replaced, though the original abutments, bascule pier, and rest pier would be reused. We crafted a second set of plans that minimized modification to the already fabricated steel beams and designed new approach piers that could be constructed with minimal disruption to FECR’s train schedules.

We also made provisions for enhanced vertical clearance, including replacing one of the approach spans with a through plate girder span to accommodate increased boater mobility. The project included a major challenge with atypical pile driving results, requiring us to quickly reconfigure and add piles to meet foundation requirements.

Key Features

Complete Superstructure Replacement: The entire superstructure of the bridge was replaced to address structural integrity concerns.
Minimal Impact on Rail Operations: The construction was carefully planned to ensure minimal disruption to FECR’s train operations.
Enhanced Boater Mobility: A new through plate girder span improved vertical clearance, benefiting boaters who use the waterway.
Efficient Bridge Operations: The project restored double-track operation to the bridge, enhancing the capacity for Brightline’s passenger rail services.
Rapid Foundation Adjustments: Our team responded swiftly to foundation redesigns, minimizing delays in the project’s timeline.

Outcomes

This project restored the Loxahatchee Moveable Bridge to a fully operational, double-track configuration, significantly increasing capacity for Brightline’s high-speed passenger rail service. The rehabilitation improved the bridge’s efficiency and reliability, contributing to the broader goal of enhancing rail infrastructure in Florida.

The work also reduced the impact on local boating activities by providing better vertical clearance and ensuring dependable bridge operations. This upgrade to a century-old structure not only addressed immediate structural concerns but also ensured that the bridge could continue to serve the growing needs of both rail and maritime traffic in Palm Beach County for years to come.

Increased Rail Capacity: The bridge’s double-track operation now accommodates growing passenger rail traffic.
Improved Boater Experience: Additional clearance and enhanced bridge reliability minimize disruptions for watercraft.
Long-Term Structural Integrity: The superstructure replacement ensures the bridge meets current safety and operational standards.
Efficient Project Execution: Our team’s quick thinking and design adjustments minimized project delays and ensured that essential services remained unaffected.
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), 2024, National Engineering Excellence Award
American Council of Engineering Companies – Florida, 2024, Grand Award Winner