How Overhead Highways and Bridges Are Built
Building an overhead highway or bridge is a big task. It takes time, planning, and teamwork. These structures help reduce traffic and connect cities. Let’s look at how they are built, step by step.
🏗️ Step 1: Planning and Design
Before construction begins, engineers and planners do a lot of work. They study the area. They check soil strength, traffic flow, and safety needs. Then, they design the bridge or highway using computer software. The design includes size, shape, materials, and budget.
Government approval is needed. Environmental checks are also done. This step can take months.
🧱 Step 2: Site Preparation
Once approved, the site is prepared. Workers clear the land. Trees, buildings, or old roads may be removed. Utility lines like water and electricity are shifted. Safety signs and barriers are placed around the site.
Heavy machines like bulldozers and excavators are used. The ground is leveled and made ready for foundation work.
🏗️ Step 3: Foundation Work
The foundation is the base of the structure. It holds the weight of the bridge or highway. Deep holes are dug. Concrete piles or pillars are placed inside. These go deep into the ground.
Steel bars are added for strength. Concrete is poured and left to dry. This step is very important. A strong foundation means a safe bridge.
🏗️ Step 4: Building the Columns and Piers
Next, vertical columns or piers are built. These support the overhead structure. They are made of reinforced concrete. Workers use scaffolding and cranes to build them tall and strong.
Each column must be placed exactly right. Engineers check measurements often.
🛤️ Step 5: Placing the Girders and Deck
Girders are long beams that connect the columns. They carry the weight of the road. Steel or concrete girders are lifted by cranes and placed on top of the columns.
After girders are set, the deck is built. The deck is the surface where vehicles will drive. It is made of concrete slabs. Workers pour and smooth the concrete. It must be even and strong.
🚧 Step 6: Finishing Work
Once the deck is ready, finishing work begins. This includes:
- Adding railings and barriers
- Installing street lights and signs
- Laying asphalt or road surface
- Painting lane markings
Drainage systems are also added. These help remove rainwater from the road.
🛣️ Step 7: Safety Checks and Opening
Before opening, the bridge or highway is tested. Engineers check for cracks, strength, and safety. Load tests are done using heavy trucks. If everything is fine, the road is opened to the public..
For more updates on our projects, visit www.rathoreconstruction.org.
