Patent ID: 7415746

Claim:
A method for constructing a self-anchored suspension bridge as part of a preexisting bridge, comprising the steps of: erecting two end supports and a center support for said suspension bridge, an end support being erected on either side of said center support; constructing a temporary structure founded on a foundation spaced away from, and proximate to, one end support of said suspension bridge; tensioning said end support that is proximate to said temporary structure with a cable suspended therebetween; forming temporary connections between another of said end support structures and said preexisting bridge; erecting main suspension bridge cables; erecting suspenders from said main cables; lifting box girder segments and adjusting said temporary cables as necessary; aligning and making up box girder section splices, including cross beams and a closure segment at an end support; lifting a pier table deck segment of said suspension bridge onto one end support and securing said deck segment to said support; connecting said deck segment with said preexisting bridge; once all of said box girder segments, closure segments, and deck segments are lifted and connected, gradually releasing said temporary connections at said end support structure; completing said bridge; and disassembling said temporary connections and said temporary structure.