George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge Implosion

Controlled Demolition Incorporated's (CDI's) experience in the removal of thousands of bridge structures ensures segmentation of steel elements and complete fragmentation of concrete spans and piers to removal limits the first time. Whether structures are made of timber, concrete, or steel hundreds of feet above critical navigation channels or well below the surface, Controlled Demolition Incorporateds design and performance team works to stringent specifications in compliance with environmental requirements.

Tidewater Construction Corporation's replacement of the 4,000 ton, George P. Coleman Bridge in Norfolk, Virginia was planned with Controlled Demolition Incorporated's input, from the beginning of the project. The 2,600 foot long, 4 lane wide spans were floated from their original location to rest on temporary piers designed for later removal with the assistance of Controlled Demolition Incorporated. Using its DREXS (Directional Remote Explosive Severance) System, Controlled Demolition Incorporated segmented the spans into 300 ton sections which matched the lifting capabilities of Tidewater's equipment. The heavily reinforced concrete pier caps and caissons were subsequently segmented by Controlled Demolition Incorporated to facilitate their removal.

"...This [letter] is to let you know how pleased we were with the end result of the explosives demolition of the existing George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge. We were all amazed that a 2,600 ft. long bridge with 50 ft. deep trusses, and 4,000 tons of steel could so perfectly be dropped into the Elizabeth River without entangling the various pieces or damaging the temporary concrete bents..."

Sheldon R. Collier, Vice President
Tidewater Construction Corporation
(General Contractor)

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• Implosion
• Bridge
• CDI