Stiver Engineering was engaged by MC 2 Civil, Inc. to provide temporary works design services for foundation construction activities at the Judge Jodie Stavinoha Bridge along the Brazos River on State Highway 99. Our scope centered on engineering a safe and constructible solution for active in-river construction at one of Fort Bend County’s most critical transportation corridors.
The Judge Jodie Stavinoha Bridge spans approximately 1,200 feet across the Brazos River in an eight-span configuration, carrying more than 25,000 vehicles per day along the Grand Parkway. Its location over a dynamic river system, characterized by shifting channels, high sediment loads, and susceptibility to intense flooding, has presented persistent engineering challenges. Major flood events in 2016 significantly accelerated erosion along the northern bank near the bridge, underscoring the importance of robust structural and geotechnical measures at this site.
Stiver Engineering developed the temporary works design for construction activities at Bent 8 of the bridge, focusing on two critical systems: a cofferdam designed to create safe, dry, and stable working conditions within the active river environment, and a forming system for the pier cap construction. Both systems were engineered to support efficient field execution while maintaining structural integrity throughout the construction sequence.
This project reflects Stiver’s ability to deliver precise temporary works solutions for complex in-water bridge foundation projects, supporting contractors and transportation agencies in maintaining safe construction operations within challenging and dynamic river environments.
