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I-5, Olive to Boylston Electrical Upgrade

Schedule: Good The project began in October 2001 and was originally scheduled for 125 working days and later amended to 149 working days. The contractor completed the project within the amended working schedule. Cost: Poor Engineer’s estimate: $1,688,851 Contractor’s bid amount: $1,834,092 Anticipated final payment: $2,037,884 This project was a great challenge. The contractor was required to maintain the old system and install the new system at the same time. The contractor was not provided accurate/complete schematics for existing utilities, which caused 15 contract changes and increased the final cost and time to complete the project. Additionally, to increase motorist and worker safety, truck-mounted collapsible barriers were added. Repairs for damage to barriers that were struck by motorists on several occasions during construction increased costs. The primary difference in the engineer’s estimate and the contractor’s bid was that the labor estimate was based on daytime hour rates. However, due to projected traffic impacts, the contract required that all of the concrete pours occur during evening hours and significantly increased labor costs.

This project upgraded the lighting and electrical systems on Interstate 5 from Olive Way to Boylston Street through downtown Seattle. The project replaced luminaires that would have been considered vintage by today’s standards. The streetlights that were replaced had been in place since I-5 was originally constructed in the 1960s. The lighting system, nearly 40 years old and not up to today's federal standards, needed increasing amounts of maintenance and frequently fell into disrepair.

The most obvious benefits of the project are that this upgrade will save taxpayers money in maintenance labor costs. In addition to maintenance savings, the light bulbs used are modern, energy efficient lamps that will cut down on energy costs. The lamps are also designed to last longer. The lights are up to current standards for intensity and uniformity, also resulting in improved safety. Elcon Corporation wasthe contractor for the project.

Even though this project would seem like a routine assignment, the execution proved to be a painful lesson in resources and traffic control coordination. The work had to be completed almost 100% at night. Several lane closures around the work area were required. The project team had to reevaluate its traffic control plan when it had multiple crews working in different areas at the same time. More safety equipment and personnel were needed to make the project efficient, while maintaining a safe work zone.

Contractor: Elcon Corporation

Contact: Brian Nielsen
Phone: 206-764-6444

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