Florida bridge collapse: What is the Accelerated Bridge Construction method?

  • A pedestrian bridge collapsed at Florida International University on Thursday
  • According to local police, at least one person is dead and several more are hurt
  • The bridge was completed via a method called Accelerated Bridge Construction

By CAITLYN HITT

Published: | Updated:

Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez has confirmed that at least one person is dead following the collapse of a pedestrian bridge at Florida International University in Miami on Thursday.

Six others were taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries they suffered as a result of the collapse. 

'There are eight vehicles that are trapped underneath as far as we know and we are going to try and get to them as quickly as we can,' Gimenez told CNN.

At least one person is dead following the collapse of a pedestrian bridge at a Florida college

At least one person is dead following the collapse of a pedestrian bridge at a Florida college

According to multiple reports, the pedestrian bridge was opened less than a week ago. The 174-foot long, 950-ton bridge was completed using an 'Accelerated Construction Method,' according to a press release sent out by the university. 

What exactly is the Accelerated Bridge Construction method? Here's what you need to know.

Florida International University Bridge Collapse

The pedestrian bridge collapsed at 1:45pm ET on Thursday. Cars and people have been trapped underneath the debris from the collapse. 

Rescue efforts are currently underway. During those efforts, traffic has been rerouted in both directions.

FIU bridge collapse casualties

At least one person is dead following the pedestrian bridge collapse at Florida International University. That number is expected to grow as rescue efforts continue.

The identity of the deceased hasn't been made public at this time. 

Florida International University pedestrian bridge construction

Construction on the pedestrian bridge at Florida International University was completed on Saturday. The bridge was installed as part of a pedestrian safety initiative aimed at reducing foot traffic on Tamiami Trail highway, according to Vox.

MCM Construction and FIGG Bridge Design teamed up on the bridge. Together, the two teams previously developed the Sunshine Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay. 

The bridge, which cost a whopping $14.2 million, was funded through a $19.4 million  grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

What caused the FIU bridge collapse?

The cause of the bridge collapse remains unclear. 

What is the Accelerated Bridge Construction method? 

Accelerated Bridge Construction, also known as instant bridge, is an innovative construction method meant to help all involved. It's main goal, according to the Federal Highway Administration, is to reduce construction time.

The process involves prefabricated elements to cut time, cost and environmental impact.

It's supposed to lessen the risk to both construction workers and pedestrians and avoid a build up of traffic during the construction period.

The pedestrian bridge at Florida International University was built over the course of several months on the side of the highway it would eventually be placed over. At a certain point in the construction period, the bridge was picked up and put into its position over the roadway. 

That process takes just hours to complete. 

The bridge was part of a larger plan that was set to be completed in 2019. It was supposed to include a plaza and be equipped with free wireless internet.

Several bridges in the United States have been built using this method. Those structures include the Nevada I-15 Bridge, the revamped Massachusetts Cedar Street Bridge, the reconstructed Eastern Avenue Bridge in Washington, D.C. and more.

This story is developing, check back for updates. 

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