Finalist

The Talmadge Memorial Bridge modernization will replace 144 aging stay cables, raise the bridge deck by 20 feet, and increase navigation clearance from 185 to 206 feet while maintaining traffic throughout construction. As designer of record, Parsons had to solve the challenge of safely reprofiling an existing cable-stayed bridge, extending its service life by 40 years while enabling larger vessels to reach the Port of Savannah. 

Using OpenBridge Designer, Parsons modeled nonlinear structural behavior, cable replacement, and a 90,000-step construction sequencing process to evaluate cable forces, deck displacements, and temporary support requirements. The workflow helped Parsons identify critical structural risks early and automate the design of temporary stay supports,. The first-of-its-kind bridge reprofiling strategy reduces construction risk, and preserves the existing structure rather than replacing it.