While we are continuously building bridges with our partners and communities, sometimes this takes a more literal mindset. Such was the case with an emergency bridge repair project we completed last year.
For our work on the project, Michels was named a 2026 Baldwin Group Build America Award Winner in the Marvin M. Black Excellence in Partnering and Collaboration Project under $20M category by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America.
After Hurricane Helene damaged a historic bridge over the Doe River in Elizabethton, TN, Michels, in collaboration with Dan Brown & Associates, LLC, implemented a comprehensive plan to restore the 1929 structure. Two footings experienced settlement due to erosion during the hurricane, causing a 70-foot section of the bridge deck surrounding the pier to subside.
Crews worked rapidly to stabilize existing footings to prevent further structural damage, delivering a more robust permanent foundation. Two methods for installing micropiles accelerated the project schedule while preserving architecture important to the city. Thanks to a seven-point sequential lift using a shoring system, the bridge was lifted in 27 controlled cycles. After new pier footing was poured, damage caused by the settlement was repaired.
The bridge, essential for daily commutes, tourism, and commerce, was restored ahead of schedule without negative impacts to its aesthetics or functionality. The project’s success was made possible through open communication, proactive engagement, and a culture of shared accountability.
