Jim Thorpe Memorial Bridge

High Steel fabricated and erected 2,199 tons of weathering steel plate girders for the new Jim Thorpe Memorial bridge in Carbon County, Pennsylvania.

The new, $28 million bridge improved access to the town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, known as the "Switzerland of America." The 951-foot-long bridge carries Route 903 over the Lehigh River, Lehigh Canal, and two railroad tracks.

High Structural Erectors erected the steel.   Working closely with the design consultant, an innovative plan was developed to overcome obstacles including historic canal locks discovered in the river.

The plan eliminated shoring towers, and many of the girders were erected in pairs. Crane locations were limited because of the steep slopes, river, and railroad tracks below the bridge.  A total of six different cranes were used, with some of the heaviest picks requiring three cranes working simultaneously.  

Completed in 2017, this new bridge connects Routes 209 and 903, allowing for more direct access and better traffic flow in the town.