Portageville Arch Railway Bridge

Spanning the Genessee River in New York, this new bridge is a 483-foot arch with three, 80-foot girder spans on either end for a total length of 963 feet. The single track bridge has a ballast-filled concrete deck, and sits 235 feet above the rushing water below.

DBM Vircon’s Scope of Work:

Working with client Canam Bridges, DBM Vircon provided 3D BrIM modeling and detailing services for the Portageville Railway Arch in Letchworth State Park in New York.

Project Stats:

• 483-foot arch span with three 80-foot approach spans
• It stands more than 235-feet above the Genesee River
• Now allows industry standard 286,000-lb cars, up from the previous 273,000-pound limit
• Trains can also move across the bridge at 30 mph, up from 10 mph on the old span

Portageville Arch Railway Bridge Project Highlights & Challenges:

This bridge was modeled and detailed with minimal RFI’s due to detailed design drawings by bridge engineering firm Modjeski and Masters.

Project Awards & Commendations:

Winner of the NSBA Prize Bridge Awards 2020 for the major span category.