Economic Impact Analysis of Bridge Construction

Traffic disruption from bridge construction has been reduced to several hours through the development of methods characterized as accelerated bridge construction. Associated risks and additional activities involved in the accelerated construction increase initial project cost. This additional cost is offset by the benefits of reduced mobility impact time. Traditionally, the savings in user cost from reduced mobility impact time are used to justify the additional cost of accelerated construction implementations. This paper presents a comprehensive cost model for bridge construction that incorporates the economic impact on surrounding communities and businesses. This economic impact model incorporates user costs, environmental costs, and business revenue changes. The M-100 over the CN Railroad bridge replacement project in Potterville, Michigan, is presented here as a case study to demonstrate the application of economic impact analysis concepts and procedures. This bridge replacement was the third slide-in (i.e., lateral slide) project completed by the Michigan Department of Transportation. Economic impact analysis revealed the benefits of the implementation of the lateral slide bridge construction method at this site.