Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. (FTC&H) Engineers • Scientists • Architects • Constructors has announced that the American Public Works Association, Michigan Chapter has awarded the city of Lansing’s Robert Busby Memorial Bridge replacement as Project of the Year in the Historical Restoration and Preservation category.

FTC&H provided design and construction engineering services for this superstructure replacement. The prestressed concrete bridge spans the Grand River in Lansing’s historic Old Town neighborhood. This project presented challenges from the beginning. Project personnel had to operate around historic building foundations in direct contact with the bridge’s abutments, adhere to strict rules governing construction activities that may alter the neighborhood’s character, and coordinate with the project’s many stakeholders to ensure success. Restrictions placed on the contractor’s operations by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) during construction required negotiating with them to allow a permit waiver, keeping the project on schedule. On-time completion was crucial to the community, so as not to interfere with upcoming annual Old Town festivals.

In September 2006, the new superstructure (consisting of three, 60-foot spans of 36-inch, prestressed concrete I-beams) was completed and open to the public. Many small touches such as decorative bridge lighting; custom-made, ornate railings; and a spiral staircase to the river walk below make the structure a complement for the surrounding neighborhood. FTC&H worked closely with the Old Town Commercial Association, the voice of the nearby business community, in order to listen to input and requests from the affected businesses and residents.

The combination of city leadership, local community involvement and contractor cooperation made this project a great success and a source of pride for the community.

Serving clients for over 50 years, FTC&H is a full-service civil engineering, environmental, architectural/engineering, and construction management firm with over 350 employees. For further information about FTC&H visit www.ftch.com.