Acrow 700XS Towers Holding Up the Future of Interstate 471
When disaster strikes a critical piece of infrastructure, a rapid and reliable response is paramount. That was precisely the case when a devastating fire beneath the Ohio approach to the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge in November 2024 forced authorities to shut down Interstate 471—a key commuter and freight corridor linking Cincinnati, Ohio, and Newport, Kentucky.
With the bridge structure compromised, stabilisation became the immediate priority, and Acrow’s modular steel 700XS Towers proved to be the ideal solution to keep the recovery efforts on track.
Emergency Response: Rapid Action to Reinforce the Bridge
The fire, which broke out in early November, caused extensive structural damage to the bridge’s southbound lanes, leading to the full closure of both directions. While three northbound lanes were reopened the following evening, the structural instability of the southbound approach made it unsafe for inspections or repairs to proceed.
Recognising the urgency, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) swiftly awarded the repair contract to The Great Lakes Construction Co. However, before any meaningful work could commence, the bridge required immediate stabilisation. That’s where Acrow, a global leader in bridge engineering, stepped in.
In collaboration with ODOT and the contractor, Acrow’s engineering team, led by Scott Patterson, P.E., developed P.E.-stamped plans for seven Acrow 700XS Towers. These modular support structures were rapidly assembled and installed on-site, ensuring that inspectors and engineers could safely assess the full extent of the damage without further risk.
Comprehensive Inspection Unveils Greater Damage
Once the initial towers were in place, a full inspection of the bridge’s structural integrity could finally take place. The findings were more severe than anticipated—several load-bearing beams on the southbound span had sustained substantial damage, necessitating additional reinforcement before demolition could even begin. In response, three more Acrow towers were ordered and installed, bringing the total to ten.
With the bridge now securely supported, demolition crews could move forward with partial deconstruction, paving the way for reconstruction efforts. The Acrow towers will remain in place until the project’s expected completion in March 2025.
Acrow 700XS Towers: Built for Speed, Strength, and Versatility
Acrow’s reputation for emergency response and infrastructure support is built on decades of engineering excellence. The Acrow 700XS Towers, assembled from Acrow’s robust steel bridge components, are part of an extensive range of shoring solutions designed for rapid deployment in challenging environments.
These include:
- Acrow Series 300 Towers – Versatile modular towers for various load-bearing applications.
- Acrow Superprop Shores – Heavy-duty support systems for complex structural requirements.
- Acrow Superprop Towers – High-strength towers engineered for demanding projects.
With modular components kept in stock for immediate deployment, Acrow’s systems offer a streamlined solution for urgent infrastructure stabilisation. Their pre-engineered design ensures quick and efficient assembly, minimising downtime and allowing projects to progress without unnecessary delays.
“We’re extremely proud to be a part of this important project,” said Jim Porreca, Market Development Manager at Acrow. “Acrow’s many years of engineering and supplying shoring systems under emergency conditions make us an ideal partner in restoring damaged or destroyed infrastructure.”
Made in the USA: Quality, Durability, and Reliability
Acrow’s shoring solutions aren’t just fast to deploy—they’re built to last. Manufactured in Acrow’s Pennsylvania-based facility using high-strength steel sourced from ISO-certified mills, these systems are designed to withstand the most demanding conditions. Their durable and adaptable nature makes them an invaluable tool across a wide range of structural shoring applications.
“Our wide range of durable shoring solutions provides cost-effective options for contractors and project owners,” said Russ Parisi, Vice President North America at Acrow. “By combining innovative engineering with high-quality manufacturing, we deliver solutions that meet the evolving needs of infrastructure projects worldwide.”
A Legacy of Engineering Excellence
For over 70 years, Acrow has been at the forefront of modular bridge engineering, providing solutions for permanent, temporary, military, and emergency infrastructure projects. With a presence in more than 150 countries across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East, the company continues to play a vital role in the development and maintenance of global transport networks.
Whether stabilising fire-damaged bridges, supporting large-scale construction projects, or facilitating emergency infrastructure repairs, Acrow’s expertise and innovative solutions ensure that essential transport links remain operational, minimising disruption and economic impact.
Engineering Stability, Enabling Progress
The Daniel Carter Beard Bridge serves as a lifeline for commuters, businesses, and freight transport between Ohio and Kentucky. Thanks to Acrow’s rapid deployment and innovative engineering, the bridge’s recovery is well underway, keeping the region’s economy moving forward. With its commitment to quality, safety, and efficiency, Acrow continues to set the benchmark for modular infrastructure solutions worldwide.
As the reconstruction progresses towards its March 2025 completion, this project stands as a testament to the power of precision engineering, strategic collaboration, and the unwavering commitment to restoring vital transport arteries in times of crisis.
