In 2013, Miami County contracted BG Consultants to evaluate the Hedge Lane Bridge over Wea Creek and analyze alternatives for rehabilitation and replacement. The existing bridge required restrictive load limit posting and was showing significant deterioration to the steel beam superstructure near the abutments and concrete deck.

To evaluate the bridge, the BG team visited the site to take photographs, performed a chain survey to identify delaminated areas of the deck, and collected samples of the deck for chloride ion testing. With this information, plans, cost estimates, and return investment analyses were prepared for several different improvement possibilities, which included 1) patching and overlaying the deck with polymer concrete, but not addressing the restrictive load limit; 2) replacing the deck with one designed to act compositely with the beams and increase load limit; and 3) replacing the entire structure. An important concern for the County was the frequency in which flood water overtops the north approach roadway to the bridge. BG Consultants, Inc. created a HEC-RAS model to analyze the effect of the bridge opening size on the upstream water surface elevations. The findings were compiled into a report that allowed the County to easily compare alternatives and make an informed decision.