Heath & Lineback (a BCC Company) was the lead bridge design firm and was responsible for conceptual, preliminary, and final design of all structural elements of the bridge structures for the 5th Runway/Taxiway at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. They also completed all structural engineering during construction, including RFI response and shop drawing reviews.
This was a major design-build contract managed by Archer Western Contractors, Ltd., who, as the lead firm, was in charge of all design and construction activity.

Innovation
The bridge structures extended existing, proven technology to develop the best solution for the project constraints. Hybrid abutments allowed MSE walls to be built away from the influence zone of aircraft live loads and reduced the need for massive abutment walls. Framing the bridge normal to I-285, using a “new” special, prestressed concrete beam, providing shear reinforcement in the deck and post tensioning the diaphragm allowed the heavy aircraft wheel loads to be carried on a conventional bridge deck. The maintenance bridge uses spans of 170 feet – believed to be have been the longest prestressed beam spans in Georgia at the time.

Social, Economic, and Sustainable Design
The project was designed for future expansion of the interstate system from an existing eight lanes to an ‘ultimate’ build out of 18 lanes. High strength concrete was specified throughout for durability, and the design was conceived, developed, and built to meet the considerable constraints offered by site conditions and stakeholder needs. Benefits from continued growth of the airport are vital to the economic success of the Atlanta region.