Project description
PG&E was required to remove a 650-foot suspension bridge that was no longer used to support a 16-inch transmission pipe across the Cosumnes River near Elk Grove, California as part of a land owner agreement. The bridge was constructed in the 1930s and was structurally unsound, creating environmental concerns with flaking lead paint dropping directly into the Cosumnes River. The project provided a challenge of removing the bridge safely and having as little environmental impact as possible. Equipment access was limited to one side as the river’s elevation fluctuated three to four feet with tidal changes. Bridge deck removal was completed by using a floating adjustable work platform. To remove the main support cables, the contractor used a helicopter.

GTS Involvement
GTS performed specification writing, bid solicitation, contractor review, management, scheduling, permitting, and invoice verification. GTS acted on behalf of PG&E to monitor progress in the field, manage change orders, obtain variances from the California State Lands Commission and other governing bodies, and maintain communication between the contractor, PG&E, TNC, and the California State Lands Commission.