Project Description

The Kings River Overflow Bridge Replacement Project was a significant infrastructure initiative undertaken by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to enhance the safety and reliability of State Route 41 near Stratford in Kings County. The existing bridge, originally constructed in 1942 and widened in 1987, had been identified as structurally deficient due to ongoing deterioration and corrosion of its supporting columns, necessitating its replacement.

The project replaced the 159-foot-long, 29-foot-wide, nine-span cast-in-place slab bridge with a modern 160-foot-long, 35-foot-wide, five-span cast-in-place concrete slab bridge over the Kings River Overflow. The new design reduced the number of piers within the stream zone and aligned them with the water flow, effectively mitigating issues related to scour at the piers and improving the bridge’s resilience against hydraulic forces.

Key construction activities included stream diversion, removal of the existing bridge, erection of falsework, installation of cofferdams and seal courses, construction of spread footings, and the building of a skewed slab bridge with barrier rails. These efforts addressed the superstructure, substructure, and seismic deficiencies of the previous bridge, ensuring long-term safety and structural integrity.

Knight CM Group provided specialized structural construction inspection services, ensuring adherence to all federal, state, and local standards throughout the construction process. Our team closely coordinated with Caltrans and other stakeholders to maintain stringent safety protocols, quality assurance, and environmental compliance.

The successful completion of this project resulted in a durable and reliable infrastructure improvement, enhancing connectivity and safety for the region while minimizing environmental impacts.