In Spring 2022, during a site inspection associated with the BJCIH Vertical Expansion project, the City of St. Louis Fire Marshal raised questions regarding the load capacity of the Wohl Circle bridges. To address these concerns, WUSM engaged KPFF (structural engineer) in May 2022 to perform an initial structural assessment.
Preliminary inspections conducted by WUSM and KPFF in Summer 2022 identified water infiltration issues, resulting in visible deterioration and potential structural degradation. In response, Campus Leadership authorized a comprehensive planning study in October 2022 to fully evaluate conditions and develop recommendations to ensure the structures’ long-term safety and functionality.
The final report, provided by KPFF Consulting Engineers, confirmed significant water-related deterioration. A two-phase approach was approved by Campus Leadership to address the findings.
This approach prioritizes immediate risk mitigation while planning for the strategic renewal of critical campus infrastructure supporting research, education, clinical care, and transit access.
The project scope will include the following components:
- Phase 1: Immediate Repairs and Risk Mitigation
- Replace the Wohl Circle expansion joints and complete targeted drain repairs.
- Install a roof enclosure over the BJCIH Euclid Utility Vault to protect critical infrastructure.
- Perform concrete foundation wall repairs and utility support upgrades in the BJCIH Generator Room.
- Investigate and repair the source of water infiltration at the northwest corner of the SLCH Garage/Northwest Tower (NWT).
- Phase 2: Structural Replacement
- Complete full replacement of the Wohl and Renard bridges to meet current St. Louis City Fire Department requirements and ensure long-term operational safety.
- Removal of the drive-under canopy on the north side of Wohl Clinic; it will not be replaced.
- Perform targeted interior renovations associated with structural and infrastructure upgrades.
The St. Louis Metro tunnel runs beneath the Medical Center Campus, extending from the Central West End Metro Transit Station on the east to Kingshighway on the west.
Metro, WashU Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJH), and St. Louis Children’s Hospital (SLCH) have an agreement governing the maintenance of the tunnel and associated structures along this section. These WUMC institutions assume full maintenance obligations.
The six (6) structures in this area include:
- Euclid Bridge, constructed in 1950 (significant structural improvements completed in 2020)
- Wohl Bridge, constructed in 1950
- Renard Bridge, constructed in 1953
- In-Fill Bridge, constructed in 1985
- SLCH Garage/Northwest Tower Tunnel, constructed in 2000
- BJCIH Tunnel, constructed in 2008
PROJECT PHASES
Preliminary Planning (Spring & Summer 2022)
Infrastructure Study (Fall 2022 – 2023)
Phase 1 Planning, Design & Construction (Fall 2023 – Fall 2025)
Phase 2 Planning, Design & Bid (Winter 2025 – Spring 2026)
Phase 2 Construction (Spring 2026 – Spring 2029)
EXPECTED SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION
Phase 1 – May 2025
Phase 2 – Spring 2029
PROJECT TEAM
The Lawrence Group – architect/landscaping
IMEG – MEP engineer
KPFF – structural engineer
Tarlton Construction – general contractor
WASHU MEDICINE TEAM
Project Executive: Melissa Rockwell-Hopkins, Ed.D, SHRM SCP, FMP, SFP
Senior Project Manager, Lead Project Manager: John Hardin
Co-Senior Project Manager, Construction Manager: Mitch Snyder
Strategic Oversight & Technical Services: Steve Sobo
Project Accountant: Ali Doughtery
Project Communications: Mariah Harris
Project Coordinator: Karen Starks
BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL TEAM
Project Executive: John Lynch
Project Manager, PD&C: Wayne Schmidt
Facilities Coordination: Michael Stachowski