I-80 road work planned near Rock Springs
$26 million project planned for 2007-2008, $5.2 million per mile
by Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT)
November 20, 2006
A nearly $46 million contract awarded by the Wyoming Transportation Commission Thursday for reconstruction of 4.4 miles of I-80 in Rock Springs is the single most expensive contract ever awarded by the commission.
Previously the commission's largest contract was for $26 million to reconstruct five miles of US 26-89 in Snake River Canyon south of Jackson, a project that was completed in 2005.
Upper Plains Contracting of Aberdeen, S.D., submitted the low bid of $45.9 million for the work between the Pilot Butte and Dewar interchanges in Rock Springs.
"This will be a costly project because it is concrete pavement, which lasts longer than asphalt but is more expensive, and because of the number of structures involved, but it's also a good example of the effects of inflation on our budget," said Pat Collins, WYDOT's assistant chief engineer. "As recently as six months ago we were estimating the cost of this work at about $33 million, and a year ago it was estimated at about $28 million."
The project will include rebuilding four sets of overpasses, reconfiguring the ramps at the Pilot Butte Interchange to improve safety, rebuilding the ramps at the Dewar Interchange and widening about one-half mile of Dewar Drive between I-80 and the Gateway intersection to include turning lanes. Trees will be planted to develop a living snow fence at the Dewar Interchange, and an 8-foot wide bicycle and pedestrian path will be added on one side of Dewar.
Clint Lockman, WYDOT resident engineer in Rock Springs, said work is expected to begin on the eastbound lanes of the highway section in April and be completed by late fall. The westbound lanes will be rebuilt in 2008 with an expected completion date of November 30.
OTHER ROAD PROJECTS
The Rock Springs project was one of five contracts for a total of nearly $61.3 million in highway work around the state awarded during the commission's November meeting in Cheyenne. The $61.3 million is the single highest monthly contract award total in the commission's history.
Included in that total is an $11.4 million contract awarded to Roberts Construction of Sheridan for reconstruction and widening of about eight miles of WYO 270 from about seven miles east of Lance Creek to its junction with US 85. The highway currently has 10-foot wide travel lanes and minimal shoulders. It will be widened to include 12-foot travel lanes and 4-foot shoulders. The project also will include installation of an electronic message sign on US 85 near the WYO 270 junction. The work is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2007.
A&S Construction Co. of Canon City , Colo., was awarded a $2.2 million contract for a pavement overlay on 9.6 miles of WYO 789 between Creston Junction and Baggs. Once the contractor diverts traffic on the highway, the paving must be completed in 30 days. The contract completion date is Oct. 31.
Casper's Modern Electric Co. won a $966,000 contract for upgrading electronic message signs on I-80 at Laramie and Walcott Junction, on US 191 at Rock Springs and just across the state line at Dutch John, Utah, on US 287 at Lander and on WYO 26 at Farson. The work is expected to be completed by Sept. 30.
Related Links:
Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT)
|
