Ridgeway Road Bridge

EMH&T provided professional services for the design of a replacement bridge carrying Ridgeway Road over West Dorothy Lane in Kettering, Ohio. As part of the initial project phases, EMH&T performed a Structure Type Study to evaluate different structure types and span configuration at the site. It was determined the original bridge was structurally deficient, and a new 114-foot single span steel plate girder superstructure was selected as the preferred alternative. Designed in accordance with ODOT and AASHTO standards, the bridge is supported on full-height semi-integral abutments. The replacement structure now has a usable life expectancy of about 100 years, and is expected to have reduced maintenance when compared to the original bridge. The project was awarded ODOT Municipal Bridge funding and EMH&T coordinated the project process and deliverables with ODOT District 7 through design.

Among some of the final work performed on the new bridge was installation of a public art piece commissioned by CitySites Public Art Program with Kettering for the structure. Cliff Garten Studio (CGS) of Venice, California designed Foliage—the metal art and fence—to adorn the new Ridgeway Road bridge. The art installation is meant to foster the idea that infrastructure design which serves a public need should be visually engaging and be specific to the community it serves.