Newman Road project hits major milestone with new railroad bridge installation

Installation of a new railroad bridge over Newman Road, just west of U.S. 231 and State Road 26, was completed at the end of August.

The bridge installation used a technique known as a bridge slide and required the completion of a series of coordinated steps. A new section of bridge was constructed on temporary supports, just west of the original bridge. Then, train traffic was shut down from Aug. 26-30 to allow the original bridge to be demolished. Upon completion of the demolition, operators slid the newly constructed bridge into place, tying it into the existing infrastructure.  

Prior to achieving the bridge installation milestone, the project also included the construction and opening of a new roundabout at the State Road 26 and Newman Road intersection. A portion of Newman Road west of the bridge was also reopened. Work continues at the site, including the construction of an adjacent multiuse trail. 

“This project is about enhancing access and safety for all system users,” said Jay Wasson, associate vice president for Purdue Physical Facilities. “This new, longer span bridge will provide increased safety by allowing for two-way vehicular traffic underneath the bridge and providing a separate multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists.”

West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis said, “The reconstruction of Newman Road is a critical connection point for future development in the Purdue Aerospace District. The bridge replacement is a huge step in opening that corridor. We are extraordinarily grateful for the teams that have worked on the bridge replacement and for the care and safety observed onsite during the bridge slide.”

The project is expected to be complete in early December; until that time, the portion of Newman Road from just east of Allison Road to just west of the entrance to Purdue Technology Center Aerospace (PTCA) will remain closed. Sharon Chapel Road will remain the designated alternate route for individuals located west of the road closure.

Media contact: Jim Bush

Source: Jay Wasson, jwasson@purdue.edu

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