Johnson Drive Ribbon Cutting

On Friday, August 15^th, the City of Merriam cut the ribbon on the Johnson Drive bridge over Turkey Creek, designed by GBA. 

The 150-foot-long, three-span bridge was a superstructure replacement, necessary to replace old pre-stressed double tee beams that were in poor condition and continuing to deteriorate. GBA’s new design included weathered steel girders, a new bridge deck and aesthetic improvements including brick and stone on the bridge columns, decorative lamp posts with hanging planters and new fencing. The project also added barriers and handrails between the sidewalk and driving lands for added pedestrian safety. 

The bridge was built in phases to accommodate the utility conduits on the bridge and maintain pedestrian access during construction. The bridge was closed to vehicular traffic in an effort to meet the city’s primary goal, which was opening the bridge before the grand opening of the IKEA store near the bridge site. The IKEA store opens Sept. 10.

Construction cost was $1.6 million.