Elevating Infrastructure: The High-Rise Bridge Project on I-64
In the ever-evolving world of infrastructure, innovation and collaboration are paramount. One shining example of this is the joint venture formed by Granite, Parsons, and Corman (GPC), which has been making waves with the Interstate 64 (I-64) Southside Widening and High-Rise Bridge project. Awarded the design-build contract by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in November 2017, GPC has been tasked with a massive undertaking that promises to enhance traffic flow and safety along nearly nine miles of I-64.
Project Overview
The I-64 project is not just about widening lanes; it involves comprehensive upgrades that include:
Expanding capacity from four to six lanes
Constructing a New High-Rise Bridge
Replacing and realigning the Great Boulevard Bridge
Widening six existing bridges
Implementing drainage improvements
Conducting noise analysis and adding noise barriers
Improving asphalt for existing lanes
At the heart of the New High-Rise Bridge substructure lies an impressive assembly of engineering feats, featuring 15 piers strategically located in the waterway. Five of these piers, situated in shallow waters off the West shore, will be accessed via a temporary trestle designed for efficient material transport and crane access. This trestle will be constructed using driven steel pipe piles, support steel beams, and timber mats.
Pile Driving Challenges and Solutions
The project is complex, and every deep foundation endeavor comes with its own set of challenges. During construction, GPC crews faced practical refusal while driving pipe piles for the New High-Rise Bridge using the ICE® Model 44 Vibratory Driver and Extractor. Recognizing the need for a more powerful solution, ICE® VA Branch Service Manager Shawn Stack intervened. After assessing the situation, he recommended upgrading to the ICE® Model 66 Vibratory Pile Hammer to effectively drive the new piles, while the ICE® Model 44 was used for extracting the old ones.
GPC has opted to equip their pile driving teams with a variety of ICE® equipment to tackle the challenges encountered throughout this ambitious project. To date, they have employed:
Seven ICE® Vibratory Pile Hammers
Several ICE® Diesel Impact Pile Hammers
A specialized ICE® I-19 Diesel Impact Pile Driver, complete with ICE® 26-inch offshore leads
This diverse range of hydraulic equipment showcases the reliability and performance of ICE® products, helping GPC navigate the complexities of the project efficiently.
Commitment to Excellence
Since the commencement of construction in the summer of 2018, the project has seen significant progress, with an estimated completion date set for December 2022. Throughout the project, the GPC team has continually prioritized efficiency and quality, battling challenges from competitors while consistently relying on the advanced capabilities of ICE® equipment.
The main foreman on-site shared their experience with ICE® equipment, noting a marked difference compared to previous providers. The ICE® team’s commitment to service excellence—observing, diagnosing, and providing effective solutions—has made a notable impact, minimizing downtime and keeping the project on track.
Conclusion
The I-64 Southside Widening and High-Rise Bridge project represents a significant advancement in Virginia’s infrastructure landscape. With the collaborative efforts of GPC and the cutting-edge hydraulic hoses provided by Hydrauli-Flex, the New High-Rise Bridge is poised to enhance traffic flow, improve safety, and ultimately elevate the standard of infrastructure in the region.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow the progress of this groundbreaking project and celebrate the engineering feats that drive our communities forward!