Structural Engineering Design for Solid Bridges & Buildings
Structural Engineering for Bridges
Preliminary & Final Bridge Design
Widseth’s structural engineers design new bridges that meet AASHTO and state department of transportation requirements, hydraulic and site conditions, and clients’ and users’ needs. Working with our clients and other stakeholders, our team of engineers analyzes several factors including traffic, site conditions, types of uses, and budget to determine such specifics as width, type, materials, and aesthetics.
Approach Design
Our structural engineers design bridge approaches to tie the bridge into the existing roadway surface. Plans will include erosion control, SWPPP, and a detour layout to keep your traffic moving.
Bridge Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation and repair projects can extend a bridge’s service life for many years. Our team completes feasibility reports to determine if repairs, rehabs, or replacement structures are the most appropriate course of action.
Additional Engineering Services for Bridges
- Field topo and hydraulic survey
- Hydraulic analysis, scour analysis, risk assessment
- Permit applications
- Supporting documentation
- Project memorandum
- Construction observation
- Contract administration
- Bridge inspections
- Bridge load capacity ratings
Widseth’s Bridge Designs Play Important Role in Thief River Falls' Greenwood Street Corridor
Widseth designed two important bridges along the one-mile Greenwood Street corridor. The vehicular bridge crosses the Red Lake River and the railroad bridge allows Greenwood Street to run underneath. The underpass means drivers and pedestrians have a safe crossing and no longer need to wait for trains. Watch this video to hear the whole story.
“The one common factor with all of the Greenwood Street corridor projects has been the long-term relationship with Widseth. All the people that they have that can handle all the different aspects for these projects has been wonderful.”
— Mark Borseth, Public Works Director, Thief River Falls
Bemidji's Paul Bunyan Trail Bridge Provides Safe Crossing over Hwy 197
The Paul Bunyan State Trail is the longest continuously paved path in the state of Minnesota and one of the longest in the country. Stretching more than 100 miles from Bemidji to Brainerd, the trail passes through historic sites and vacation destinations and provides recreational use for hiking, biking, running, and snowmobiling.
The 400-foot-long pedestrian bridge in Bemidji solidified another crucial piece of the Paul Bunyan State Trail. It allows trail users to safely cross four lanes of busy traffic on Highway 197 for an uninterrupted experience. The project was a collaborative effort between the city of Bemidji, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and Widseth.
Structural Engineering for Buildings
Building Structure Design
Widseth’s structural engineers will design an economical structure that fits the vision of the architect and the client. Structure types include steel, reinforced concrete, precast, masonry, and wood.
Construction Observation
Our engineers review contractor shop drawings for accuracy and completeness and provide periodic observations of construction to verify document specs are met.
Existing Building Analysis
We can analyze your existing building structure to determine structural capacity, load ratings, and feasibility for remodeling or repairing.
