Better Roads Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/85927
By John Latta MIDDLE I That situation occurs because when you contract to add lanes to a divided Interstate using the median for the new roadway, you have a number of problems to solve, but one really, really big one. Access. But if you think in- novatingly, let's say daringly, enough, you don't have do the work predictably. The I-85 widening project in Cabarrus County, N.C., involves the widening of approximately 8 miles of aging and deteriorated Interstate with complete replacement of all pavement and six bridges. The job was design-build and contractor Lane Construction came up with an out of the box, stunningly simple and innovative temporary bridge - with median acces ramps - concept. "The majority of the new roadway width is being con- structed in the existing 70-foot median, creating a very 26 August 2012 Better Roads BOTH ENDS To The T'S NOT EITHER END OF THIS BRIDGE THAT IS ITS MOST IMPORTANT ENTRANCE/EXIT POINT. IT'S THE MIDDLE. difficult access challenge and potentially severe safety con- cerns for the travelling public," says a Lane spokesperson. "These challenges are typical on Interstate widening proj- ects yet they are always difficult to overcome. The need for an innovative work zone traffic control and access plan is particularly critical on this design-build project due to the severe state of deterioration and Average Daily Traffic of over 100,000. "Unimpeded access to the existing median is critical to improve safety, minimize impacts to traffic, reduce stress on existing peripheral infrastructure, accelerate the project schedule, and reduce cost of construction by increasing efficiency." NCDOT resident engineer Davis Diggs says the bridge wasn't in the RFP but Lane delivered a technical proposal A temporary overpass over I-85 leads to temporary median onramps for roadbuilders and equipment.