Construction on the Route 460 Connector Phase 1 Project

摘要

Construction of the Route 460 Connector Phase 1 in Breaks, VA presents numerous challenges to thecontractor and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). This Design-Build project consists ofbuilding twin 1700 foot long cast-in-place segmental bridges over Grassy Creek. When finished, thesebridges will be the tallest bridge in the Commonwealth of Virginia at 250 feet. The project owner isVirginia Department of Transportation, with RS&H CS contracted as owner’s representative. The Design-Build team consists of prime contractor Bizzack Construction, bridge sub-contractor CJ Mahan, withdesigners Stantec and Janssen & Spaans Engineering.What makes this project particularly unique is the location. Located in Buchanan County, in westernVirginia, this project is being built in a very rural part of the country actually crossing the state borderinto Kentucky. This remote location presents many difficulties such as skilled labor force, housing forpersonnel, right-of-way and land rights issues, acquisition of mineral rights and even simplycommunicating effectively. Because this project is located in a mountainous environment, the design ofthis structure utilizes spread footing foundations and involves a great deal of blasting to prepare the site.Combining the rural nature of this project with the challenges of cast-in-place segmental constructionmakes this project quite unique. The challenges listed above, coupled with the inherent complexity ofcast-in-place segmental bridge construction distinguishes this project as one of a kind.Knowing the concerns related to improving the reliability and durability of segmental bridge constructionthroughout the country, VDOT chose to re-write the state’s segmental bridge specifications. Thesespecifications now reflect the latest technologies and procedures that many organizations are adoptingacross the nation.