Bridge Bearing Replacement for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Arkansas

A Strong Partnership 

Lakey Inc. proved to be an exceptional prime contractor throughout the project. Together, we delivered a project that met every requirement for safety, quality, and schedule performance, which further reinforced Freyssinet’s role as a trusted bridge bearing replacement contractor for specialized structural work.

Our Mission: Safe, Precise, and Efficient Bearing Replacement

As the subcontractor, Freyssinet’s work centered on safely transferring bridge loads, removing existing rocker bearings, and installing new elastomeric bearing pads. Our scope also included:

• Selective demolition of concrete and existing rocker bearings
• Installation of hydraulic jacks and execution of controlled load transfer
• Removal of remaining bearing components
• Installation of new elastomeric bearing pads with top and bottom bearing plates
• Concrete placement, curing, and restoration of the structure
• Final load transfer back to the new bearings and removal of jacking systems

Engineering Solutions for Complex Access Challenges

Accessing the bearing locations beneath the bridge was a challenge on this project.

• Upstream access was achieved using a fixed scaffold system.
• Downstream access, however, required a completely different approach. The flap gates beneath the bridge had to remain fully operable at all times to maintain flood‑response readiness, making fixed scaffolding impossible.

Our team conducted detailed site evaluations and equipment feasibility studies, ultimately determining that only one specific hydraulic platform size could safely maneuver within the limited clearances. We sourced the exact platform required (one of the only units in the region capable of meeting the constraints) and retained it for the entire duration of the project. This eliminated remobilization risk and ensured uninterrupted progress across all phases.

Key Factors That Set This Project Apart

1) Phased Execution Without Delays

Despite multiple mobilizations and tight access constraints, each phase was completed on time and within budget through careful planning.

2) A Consistent, Highly Specialized Crew

We maintained the same small, expert team throughout all phases. This continuity improved efficiency, and ensured consistent quality and safety performance.

3) Maintaining Operational Readiness

All work was performed while ensuring the flap gates remained fully functional, meeting the owner’s operational requirements without compromise.

4) Safe, Precise Load Transfer

Hydraulic jacking and load transfer operations were completed without incident, demonstrating Freyssinet’s expertise in structural lifting and temporary works.

5) Zero Impact to Existing Structure and Operations

Selective demolition, jacking, and restoration were executed without damage to surrounding elements or disruption to ongoing operations.

A Successful Project Delivered Safely and Efficiently

This project highlights Freyssinet’s ability to engineer safe access solutions, manage complex temporary works, and execute precision bearing replacement under demanding conditions. Completed safely, on schedule, and within budget, the project reflects the strength of our team and the value of our collaborative approach as a trusted bridge bearing replacement contractor.