Since 1927, freight and passenger rail trains have used a single trestle bridge to cross Crabtree Creek in Morrisville, NC. As part of an effort to increase capacity in the corridor – while also addressing sections of the crossing that obstructed a scenic greenway trail, Norfolk Southern contracted with STV to provide construction management and inspection services for a $9.8 million bridge relocation and replacement. The initiative was a joint effort between the North Carolina Rail Road and the Town of Morrisville. Additionally, the firm provided utility coordination and pay estimation services.

STV coordinated with stakeholders to minimize impacts to existing rail service in the corridor and the surrounding residential community. The dual-phase program incorporated track relocation, as well as the demolition and replacement of the existing trestle bridge.  Among the project’s challenges was flooding – up to nine feet – of the nearby creek.

The new Crabtree Creek bridge has the capacity to take on a second track as part of a double track system and further accommodate regional travel. Additionally, the Town of Morrisville opened a new bridge underpass that provides pedestrians and cyclists full access to the greenway.