STEAM Connect Pop-up: Interstate Bridge Replacement

Current and future STEAM Pros IGNITE AND INSPIRE via monthly accessible "Pop-up" engagements that bring together current community professionals at their workplaces and the next generation of learners (children/students thru college) through on-site tours and explorations of various STEAM topics.

The goal is to provide learners with exposure to industry and career opportunities in a "take your kid to work day" style. "Big kids" and next gen pros welcome - build relationships and future together.

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What does it take to build a $5 billion bridge? It takes STEAM professionals!

Join us for a powerful look at the I-5 Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) program.
The February 11th STEAM Connect POP_UP will showcase real-world STEAM career paths, solving some of the toughest problems in infrastructure today.

The IBR project isn't just concrete and steel; it's a series of complex Architectural and Engineering puzzles to be solved by the this next generation of talent - YOU!

• Multimodal Transportation: Discover how Civil and Transportation Planners integrate a major freeway (I-5), Light Rail, and dedicated bus, bike, and pedestrian pathways all onto a single, efficient structure.
• Seismic Safety & Structural Design: See how Structural Engineers design a new, seismically resilient crossing to withstand a major earthquake—a critical upgrade from the existing century-old structures.
• River Navigation & Aesthetics: Learn how Architects and Hydraulic Engineers balance the required 116 feet of fixed-span clearance for massive cargo ships with the structure's visual impact and freeway grade.

Building the bridge is only half the battle. We'll dive into the massive logistics, project management, and scheduling challenges involved:

• Construction Sequencing: How do Logistics Managers sequence the multi-year construction of the new dual-span bridges while keeping I-5 traffic moving smoothly?
• Deconstruction Planning: How will they remove the old Interstate Bridge spans after the new crossing is operational?

This is your opportunity to connect real-world problems with real-world careers in STEAM. Come learn what it takes to design, build, and manage the Northwest's most important transportation link!

Feb 11th Agenda:

Please Note, this is a Portland Public Schools Early Release day (except high schools)

4:00 pm Arrivals at IBR Office Vancouver
4:10 pm Welcome, Introductions
4:20 pm (outside) Walk to/explore existing bridge, site challenges
4:40 pm (inside) Learn about new bridge design from architects/designers & Bridge Build Exercise.
5:10 pm Q&A, learn career pathways of current STEAM Pros in Design, Architecture, Engineering & Trades
5:30 pm Wrap

Address:
Interstate Bridge Replacement Program Office
500 Broadway, Suite 200,
Vancouver, WA 98660
Check back here later for parking instructions.

We will take a brief walk outdoors to look at the current bridge to start to assess the challenges. Please dress accordingly.

Waiver and Release Form for STEAM Pathways - ALL participants required to agree to Waiver and Release and provide signed copy of form.

For more information on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, visit: https://www.interstatebridge.org/

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Learn More about our approach at STEAM Pathways Program. BESThq commits to STEAM Pros from different backgrounds to increase creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving skills, and sharing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) opportunities.

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Special thanks to all those supporting STEAM Pathways for community; Select opportunity for sponsorship available. Interested in becoming an event sponsor and/or scholarship? Email [email protected] and check out

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