Jacobs Supports Innovative Bridge Modernization Effort at Port of Savannah

Jacobs was selected to provide construction engineering and inspection (CEI) services for the US 17/SR 404 Spur Bridge Major Maintenance Project by the Georgia DOT. This project will extend the lifespan and evaluate raising the elevation of the Talmadge Bridge, a critical piece of infrastructure that spans the Savannah River in the city of Savannah, Ga. and provides a vital link between Georgia and South Carolina. 

Though structurally sound, the bridge’s current 185-foot clearance restricts larger ships from navigating beneath it to access the Port of Savannah’s terminals. This pioneering project will examine raising the center of the cable stayed bridge by replacing its cables and carefully tightening them to achieve as much as 21 feet of additional clearance. The final profile is to be determined with final design and construction. 

“This is a first-of-its-kind project – raising a cable stayed bridge from its center has never been done before anywhere in the world,” says Jacobs Senior Vice President Katus Watson. “This project demonstrates Jacobs’ drive to deliver innovative solutions for the world's critical challenges – keeping people and goods moving smoothly and supporting infrastructure that drives economic prosperity.” 

The Port of Savannah is a significant economic engine for the region. Larger ships are becoming increasingly more common due to their fuel efficiency and lower overall operating costs. This major maintenance project seeks to improve existing infrastructure while ensuring safe and efficient access for existing and future growth demands. Construction is expected to be completed in 2029.