Dragon Town Bridge
A Purpose-Built Crossing for a Sensitive Site
The Dragon Town Bridge project involved designing a 110-foot steel truss utility crossing to support a 12-inch ductile iron water main over a sensitive creek channel at Beale AFB, CA. Our work included topographic surveying, structural engineering for the truss and abutments, and layout control to support accurate field construction. The goal was to provide a durable utility bridge that could be installed efficiently with minimal site disturbance.
Because the project site lies within an environmentally sensitive corridor, construction impacts had to be kept to a minimum. To meet this requirement, the bridge was designed as a fully shop-fabricated 3D truss that could be assembled on-site in two halves and placed as a single span between abutments. This approach eliminated the need for in-channel work, reduced safety risks associated with building over water, and avoided significant cost typically associated with complex field fabrication.
Our topographic survey proved critical during design, revealing potential conflicts between the abutment foundations and existing fiber optic infrastructure. With accurate field data in hand, we were able to adjust the foundation layout and avoid both disturbance and costly utility modifications. The completed design provides a reliable utility crossing that delivers redundant potable water service to Dragon Town while respecting environmental constraints and supporting the long-term operational needs of the base.
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