Precast bridge elements, such as bent caps, can be manufactured either on- or off-site, under controlled conditions, and brought to the construction location ready for installation. Using prefabricated elements and systems can increase construction zone safety, minimize the traffic impacts of bridge construction projects, make construction less disruptive for the environment, and improve constructibility. Safety is improved and traffic impacts are lessened because some of the construction is moved from the roadway to a remote site, minimizing the need for lane closures, detours, and use of narrow lanes. Moving the construction from the roadway can also lessen impacts on the surrounding environment. Improved constructibility is achieved in situations where sophisticated techniques would be needed to perform cast-in-place construction, such as long water crossings or multi-level interchanges.

An early 1990's project, a 19,265 lf precast segmental concrete box girder superstructure across Choctawhatchee Bay near Destin, Florida, was awarded to Traylor by the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority.  Concrete segments (83,000 cy of concrete) were cast in a job-specific 36-acre construction yard located at the foot of the bridge and transported by barge to erection site.  There were 1,167 bridge segments, weighing up to 93 tons each.  Also included was casting of 1,116 each 30” square voided pilings (125,404 lf), some as long as 145’ and 142 piers on which the bridge rests.  This project is a World Record Holder in Segmental Bridge Erection – 7 spans, 7 days, 952 feet of bridge, 09/14 – 09/20/1992.  Traylor was also presented by the Florida Transportation Builders Association, the 1992 Bridge Project Award for the “Outstanding FDOT Bridge Project Presented for Quality Construction”,