State Road 249 / Port of Indiana Bridge Replacement

Location: Portage, Indiana

Award: Durability

Project Team

Owner: InDOT

Contractor: Superior Construction

Engineer: Parson’s Corp

Concrete: Smith Ready Mix

Slag Cement: Ozinga

Located in Portage, Indiana, the State Road 249 at the Port of Indiana is a massive infrastructure achievement. This 1,100 foot long twin bridge serves as a vital artery for the region, and its completion has successfully doubled the truck traffic capacity moving in and out of the port.

The logistics of this build were incredibly intense. Construction took place directly over four lanes of live highway traffic and multiple active railroad tracks, all while ensuring that road access to the port remained open for business. The project required over 7,400 cubic yards of concrete, including seven mass concrete pier foundations that demanded strict thermal control.

Slag cement was the key to meeting the Department of Transportation's rigorous thermal management plans. By utilizing slag, the team kept the delivered concrete temperatures below 70 degrees, effectively managing the heat of hydration in the large pier footings.

Beyond temperature control, the slag-enhanced mix provided the long-term durability required for the 8 inch bridge decks and easily exceeded the 4,000 psi strength requirements. From the first pours in 2023 to its completion in late 2025, this project stands as a premier example of how slag cement allows engineers to solve complex thermal challenges while building the heavy-duty infrastructure that keeps our economy moving.

Application Type

Application Type	Mass Concrete
% Slag Cement Replacement	60%
% Portland Cement
% Portland Limestone Cement	40%
% Other SCM (if applicable)
Aggregate	1750 (¾” limestone) and Natural Sand
Water/cement ratio	.45
7-day strengths	3800
28-day strengths	5900