Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Appoints Michael Baker International to Design Repairs for Damaged Central Pennsylvania Bridge

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 18, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, consulting, planning, technical and professional services, recently engineered critical repairs to the Norman Wood Bridge, a two-lane, 21-span bridge across the Susquehanna River in southcentral Pennsylvania.

Michael Baker's routine inspection of the bridge in September 2015 revealed a vertical crack in one of the bridge's steel girders, prompting the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to initially close the bridge to all vehicular traffic starting on September 28. Since identifying the needed repairs, Michael Baker worked with PennDOT to provide limited vehicular access to the structure while the company proceeded with designs for a long-term repair plan.

"As always, our top priority was to balance important safety concerns with necessary access for residents who use the bridge every day. Closing the bridge altogether during repairs would have required users to navigate a fairly complicated detour, taking them miles out of their way," said Steve Barber, vice president and Harrisburg office executive for Michael Baker International. "We collaborated with PennDOT so that crews could repair the damage while vehicles under a certain weight used a portion of the bridge."

After quickly identifying a way to repair the damage, Michael Baker designed a retrofit for the deteriorated section of the girder as well as other sections of the bridge to ensure the structure disperses stress evenly.

The company serves as one of the lead bridge inspectors for PennDOT in Pennsylvania's capital region.

Built in 1968, the Norman Wood Bridge carries an average of 4,300 vehicles per day and serves as a key connection between Lancaster and York counties in the region.

About Michael Baker International

Michael Baker International is a leading global provider of engineering and consulting services which include planning, architectural, environmental, construction, program management, and full life-cycle support services, as well as information technology and communications services and solutions. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions in support of U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker International has more than 6,000 employees in more than 90 locations across the U.S. and internationally. To learn more visit www.mbakerintl.com.