Building the Future: The McClugage Bridge Reconstruction
The McClugage Bridge has been an integral part of Peoria, IL, for nearly 75 years, providing essential passage over the Illinois River. However, like many structures that have stood the test of time, the bridge has begun to show signs of wear due to constant use, extreme weather conditions, and the salt used during snow removal. After years of delay, the bridge’s long-awaited reconstruction project began in 2019, with the goal of providing a safer, more reliable bridge for the 20,000 daily commuters who depend on it.
Reconstructing the bridge is no small task. The eastbound span alone requires 22 new piers, each 11 feet wide and rising 30 to 40 feet into the air. The new bridge will also feature a 14-foot multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists. But, as with any major infrastructure project, the key to ensuring success lies in establishing a strong and reliable foundation.
The Importance of a Solid Foundation
To provide a solid foundation for the new McClugage Bridge, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) awarded the contract to American Bridge Company of Coraopolis, PA. American Bridge was tasked with creating a dry workspace for the construction of the 22 piers that will support the bridge’s 40 million pounds of steel. To achieve this, they chose the ICE® 44B Vibratory Hammer/Extractor to drive vertical and battered pipe piles 32 inches in diameter and 50 feet long, which would form a watertight enclosure around the worksite.
Ensuring a dry and safe working environment is crucial in such a challenging construction site. To achieve this, the ICE® I-80 Diesel Impact Hammer is also being used to drive templates further into the ground, keeping water from seeping into the worksite. Any water that does manage to enter the enclosure is quickly pumped out with bypass pumps. By utilizing these high-quality tools and equipment, American Bridge is able to ensure a safer work environment, proving the effectiveness of cofferdams in underwater construction.
Hydrauli-Flex Hoses: Powering Equipment for a Complex Job
While the machinery and tools used in this reconstruction project are impressive in their own right, they rely on a critical component to perform at their best: hydraulic hoses. For ICE® Vibratory Hammers and Drills, maintaining consistent hydraulic pressure is key to their functionality. This is where The Hose Company’s Hydrauli-Flex hoses come in.
Hydrauli-Flex hoses are engineered to meet the high demands of heavy-duty machinery like the ICE® 44B Vibratory Hammer/Extractor and ICE® I-80 Diesel Impact Hammer. These hoses provide the necessary hydraulic pressure for the equipment to function properly and effectively. Whether it's delivering the precision needed to drive piles into the earth or powering the machinery to work in harsh underwater conditions, Hydrauli-Flex hoses are designed for reliability, durability, and peak performance.
Our Hydrauli-Flex hoses are built to withstand extreme environments, including the challenging conditions found on the McClugage Bridge reconstruction project. Their robust construction ensures that ICE® machinery can perform optimally, even under the heavy load of critical infrastructure work.
Looking Ahead: A Bridge to the Future
The new eastbound McClugage Bridge is expected to open in late 2023, with additional work planned to complete the bridge over Adams Street and to remove the old structure. Once completed, the new bridge will significantly improve safety, reduce travel times, and offer a more efficient route for the daily commuters of Peoria. The work being done by American Bridge, supported by reliable tools and the durable Hydrauli-Flex hoses from The Hose Company, is a testament to the power of innovation and precision in modern construction.
Contact Us
At The Hose Company, we are proud to provide high-quality hydraulic hoses like Hydrauli-Flex that power the machinery involved in critical projects like the McClugage Bridge reconstruction. If you’re interested in learning more about our hoses or need support for your own heavy-duty equipment, don’t hesitate to contact us. Let us help you keep your machinery performing at its best.
For ICE® Vibratory Hammers and Drills, the role of hydraulic hoses cannot be overstated. These hoses are essential for maintaining consistent hydraulic pressure, which is crucial for the equipment's functionality. The Hose Company's Hydrauli-Flex hoses are designed to meet these high demands, ensuring that ICE® machinery delivers optimal results on every job.
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