George P. Coleman Bridge

Location

Yorktown / Gloucester Point, Virginia

Owner

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)

Lightweight Aggregate Supplier

Stalite Lightweight Aggregate

Description

The George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge spans the York River between Yorktown and Gloucester Point, Virginia. The major steel deck truss crossing includes two 500-foot swing spans and serves as a critical transportation link in the region.

Originally constructed in 1952, the bridge underwent a comprehensive superstructure replacement in 1995–1996. The main truss spans were replaced and widened to improve capacity and extend the service life of the crossing.

Structural lightweight concrete utilizing Stalite Lightweight Aggregate was used in the new bridge deck on the truss spans to reduce dead load and enhance structural efficiency. By lowering the weight of the superstructure, the project team reduced the quantity of structural steel required in the trusses and was able to widen the existing piers without driving additional piles.

The truss spans were constructed on falsework in Norfolk, Virginia, with the lightweight concrete decks cast in removable forms before being barged to the site for erection. Installation of the bridge segments was completed during a rapid closure period, minimizing disruption to traffic.

Specified at 4,500 psi compressive strength and approximately 115 pcf density, the lightweight deck was ground to achieve the desired roadway profile and grooved for skid resistance prior to final erection. The deck remains exposed to traffic and has demonstrated strong long-term durability performance.

This project highlights the structural, logistical, and durability advantages of structural lightweight concrete in major movable-span bridge rehabilitation.