*3.2. Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC)*

To further decrease the total project delivery time and the downtime of the roads, the ABC method can be used. For example, the lateral bridge slide-in method or self-propelled modular transporters (SPMT's) can be used to place a bridge (Figure 8a). The high slenderness and accompanying reduced self-weight of the bridge is crucial since the bridge needs to be lifted and hauled into position [19].

**Figure 8.** (**a**) Illustration of placing a new bridge deck with the use of an SPMT (computer-controlled platform vehicles) with jack-ups [19]; (**b**) placing a bridge with an SPMT during the replacement project, I-84 bridges over Marion Avenue in Southington, US [20].

An example of using SPMT's for the replacement of interstate highway bridges, which typically can take months, or even a year or more using traditional construction methods, is the project I-84 bridges over Marion Avenue in Southington, Connecticut (Figure 8b). The project consisted of the replacement of two existing bridges built in 1964. The scheduled replacement of the bridges anticipated that the highway would be closed from 9 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. the following Monday. However, the project progressed smoothly and both bridges were opened for traffic even before the deadline [20].
