Pedestrian bridge construction begins on new College of Science and Math building

Despite brisk temperatures on Dec. 18, it was as if the construction event had been choreographed. As a gargantuan crane slowly and carefully hoisted the steel framework of a bridge more than four stories above Goss Lane, the morning sun — a natural spotlight — was rising in the background.

A group of steelworkers, a crane operator and other construction professionals teamed up to coordinate the lift of the 56,000-pound steel truss, which will help support a pedestrian bridge between the new College of Science and Mathematics building and the Interdisciplinary Research Center building on the Health Sciences Campus at Augusta University.

The steel frame for the pedestrian bridge was erected onsite and inspected before the lift. It may have pleased CSM Dean John Sutherland to hear the construction foreman explain that multiple calculations were made and tested to formulate the appropriate amount of counterweight to ensure a successful lift.

After the truss was raised, it was lowered a few feet, where it was fitted and secured to a pair of robust support columns on one end and the fourth floor of the CSM building on the other end. The foundations for the two columns each contain eight reinforcement pillars that extend about 50 feet below ground, where they bear on rock.

Next on the agenda is a virtual “Raise the Beam” event scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, when a small group of university leaders will gather to mark the completion of the pedestrian bridge. (The event is invitation-only due to COVID-19 restrictions.)

For more information, please visit the College of Science and Mathematics “move” web page.