•  2003 Project Highlights
•  Evaluation Criteria

2003 - Construction Highlights - I-5 - Puyallup River Bridge - Polyester Deck Overlay

Pierce County

** Here's what you had to say

Design: Construction Management: Schedule: Cost: Engineers Estimate: $2,473,170 Contract Award Amount: $1,459,162 Estimated cost for completion: $1,495,031 WSDOT and the contractor displayed a high level of teamwork and organized a safety meeting prior to construction that included field personnel from both organizations.  Issues were addressed proactively and resolved with mutual satisfaction before they impacted the cost and schedule of the project.

After almost 40 years of service, the roadway surface of the southbound Interstate 5 Puyallup River Bridge in Tacoma had worn down to the point that large areas of steel reinforcing bars were exposed. An average of 85,000 vehicles cross the 1,500 foot-long bridge on a daily basis, making this project to repair and rebuild the deck even more challenging.  Project  work replaced 17 expansion joints and repaired approaches to the bridge. Deck repairs provide a smoother ride for motorists and extend the service life of the bridge another 15 to 20 years.

Construction Summary

The contractor performed the work in accordance with the approved schedule and plans. A suggestion by the contractor resulted in the project being completed early, eliminating the final weekend closure. WSDOT and the contractor negotiated a $100,000 payment in acknowledgement of the public benefit and the contractor’s extra expense.

A significant number of innovative processes and products were used on this project and each presented a challenge: Polyester concrete, a relatively new product, was used on the decking product. It is sensitive to moisture and humidity, making this a very weather-dependent schedule driver. Multiple lane restrictions that lasted entire weekends, and the anticipated severe traffic congestion resulting from the project made this one of the most intense public outreach efforts for this WSDOT Region Office. A new Web site was developed displaying project specific information and real-time traffic updates as they developed. More than 5,000 people visited the site during the project. A movable barrier system was used during this project, making traffic control less labor intensive and time consuming.

Both temporary and permanent electronic message signs and Highway Advisory Radios were used to provide information to the traveling public. This was to both inform of what was happening and why, along with advise on using alternate routes.

Contractor:
Concrete Barrier Inc., Mukilteo

WSDOT Contact:
Dave Ziegler, PE,
Phone:253-534-3100
E-mail: ZiegleD@wsdot.wa.gov

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