Transportation

Bridge Design

Design of new and replacement bridges, from private driveway crossings to municipal and DOT bridges. Typical US fees run $10,000 to $500,000, and most projects take 3 months to 2 years. Our drawings, calculations and reports are sealed by a Professional Engineer (PE) licensed in the state where your project is located, ready for permit submission.

Typical US fee$10,000 to $500,000
Typical timeline3 months to 2 years
Permit drawingsSealed by a PE

What the work involves

Bridge engineers design the superstructure, substructure and foundations, coordinate hydraulic and scour analysis, and prepare plans that meet AASHTO specifications for public bridges. Private driveway, farm and trail bridges also need engineering for vehicle loads, including fire trucks, and for flood levels. Prefabricated bridges still need engineered abutments and foundations.

When you need it

  • Replacing a structurally deficient bridge
  • New private driveway or farm bridge
  • Pedestrian or trail bridge
  • Widening or rehabilitating a bridge

What you receive

  • Bridge plans
  • Structural calculations
  • Hydraulic and scour analysis
  • Foundation design
  • Permit documents

What drives the cost

Estimate. Small private and pedestrian bridges are at the low end; public highway bridges much higher.

Frequently asked questions

How much does bridge Design cost?

Across the US, bridge Design usually costs $10,000 to $500,000. Estimate. Small private and pedestrian bridges are at the low end; public highway bridges much higher.

How long does bridge Design take?

Plan on 3 months to 2 years from signed proposal to stamped deliverables, longer if a site visit, soil testing or a permit review cycle is involved.

Do I need a licensed PE for bridge Design?

In most US jurisdictions, yes. When the work needs a permit, the plans, calculations or report usually must be sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed in the state where the project is located. Every deliverable we issue for permit is sealed that way.

Will I also need a structural engineer?

Sometimes. Depending on the site, bridge Design can also involve a structural engineer, geotechnical engineer or hydraulic engineer. We tell you up front which other professionals your project needs and coordinate with them so the drawings agree.

Who do you provide bridge Design for?

Most of our clients for this service are municipalitys, developers and homeowners. Describe your project and one of our engineers will reply with scope, fee and schedule.

Can I build a bridge on my own property?

Usually yes, with permits. Stream crossings may need floodplain and Army Corps approvals, and the design should carry emergency vehicles.

What design standards apply?

Public highway bridges follow AASHTO LRFD specifications. Private bridges often use the same standards as a reference.

What is scour?

Erosion of streambed material around piers and abutments during floods, a leading cause of bridge failures. Scour analysis is a required part of designing bridges over water.

Are prefabricated bridges an option?

Yes, especially for pedestrian and light vehicle use, but abutments and foundations still need site-specific design. Delivery access for long spans should be checked early.

Where we provide this service

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Sources

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