Eastern Tennessee Bridges Restored Ahead of Schedule Using Progressive Design-Build
GREENE AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES, TN—Two bridges spanning the Nolichucky River in Eastern Tennessee have been rebuilt and reopened to traffic, restoring key connections for Greene and Washington Counties less than a year after they were destroyed by flooding from Hurricane Helene. Thanks to an accelerated delivery method and a highly coordinated team effort, both bridges were completed and reopened a full month ahead of schedule.
In September 2024, the Elbert Kinser Bridge (SR-107) in Greene County and the Taylor Bridge (SR-81) in Washington County were completely washed out by the storm, significantly disrupting regional travel. To expedite the emergency replacements, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) turned to Progressive Design-Build (PDB)—the project marks the agency’s first time using this delivery method.
Benesch partnered with Kiewit to deliver the replacements under the PDB contract. Serving as the superstructure engineer, Benesch designed the beams and concrete slabs for both bridges and developed the erosion control plans. Additionally, Benesch completed the hydraulic design for SR-107. Both structures were designed to meet modern engineering standards, improving their ability to withstand future flood events and enhancing long-term resiliency.
“These bridge replacements were really well-suited for Progressive Design-Build because they were needed so quickly,” said Benesch Project Manager Jake Williams. “We were able to collaborate with our partners early on to restore these key connections as quickly as possible.” Because work needed to begin before survey and geotechnical data were available, conceptual designs had to be developed early, requiring continuous coordination between project partners. The flexibility of the PDB approach allowed the team to adapt the design in real time and keep the project moving efficiently.
“Further expediting the design process was our decision to bring in structural teams from two divisions within our company,” Williams explained. “This provided a design team for each bridge which enhanced quick option development, improved design efficiency and allowed for faster delivery.”
Ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held in both counties to celebrate the completed bridges. On May 23, more than 200 people gathered for the reopening and rededication of the Elbert Kinser Bridge. The following week, community members, along with local and state officials, attended the Taylor Bridge ceremony, where the Tennessee Governor thanked project partners for their efforts in completing the replacement ahead of schedule.
