Project Abstract

The subject “stand-alone” project includes the replacement of existing twin Interstate bridges using accelerated bridge construction (ABC) methods with alternate-bid detailed plans for both a Self-Propelled Modular Transport (SPMT) installation, and a Slide-In Bridge installation.  This project will provide an innovative solution to both planning and construction issues associated with reducing the maintenance of traffic costs on Interstate Bridge Replacements.  This project will substantially further the goals of accelerating the adoption of innovative bridge construction techniques, improved safety through shorter duration, and informing future decisions regarding these methods through the alternate-bid process. 

Project Description 

The subject project includes the replacement of existing twin three span bridges carrying I-70 EB and WB over SR 121 in Wayne County, Indiana.  Accelerated bridge construction (ABC) methods will be designed and detailed for the proposed work.  The project will go to Letting as a Design-Bid-Build project, where the contractors will be able to bid their preferred alternate of either Self-Propelled Modular Transport (SPMT) installation, or Slide-In Bridge installation.  The project will be awarded to the lowest bidder.  There have been documented benefits from both slide-in bridge construction, and SPMT bridge construction on projects nationwide.  The benefit of deploying these innovations on this project for INDOT are related to our ability to develop a template and best practices for using SPMT bridge construction, and slide-in bridge construction throughout the State of Indiana on future bridge and superstructure replacement projects.

The performance goals and measures for the innovation will be derived from the design, detailing, and construction costs for comparing the two alternative construction methods.  These metrics will inform future project decisions associated with standardizing these innovations.

It is anticipated that by utilizing this ABC methodology, the innovations will improve the conventional practice in the following way:

  • Reduction of time that traffic is affected by the construction zone: With conventional construction methods, the construction zone would be required for 6 to 8 months.  It is anticipated that through these innovative methods, the maintenance of traffic on the interstate could be reduced to a few weeks of impacts at the most.  This would dramatically reduce contractor risk, exposure of construction personnel to traffic, and inconvenience to the traveling public.
  • Innovation Performance
  • Improved Construction Quality: By building the superstructure in a temporary location, the entire superstructure can be built at once, eliminating construction joints in the deck.

Costs associated with the design of each alternate will be determined and documented.  Special design considerations for each option will be highlighted.  The overall costs will be compared with conventional construction design fees.  The construction costs will be documented, including the original engineers estimated cost, and the cost of each innovation.  The time savings associated with the innovations will be documented.  Best practices in contract document preparation, specifications, and public involvement will be documented.  The cost savings for construction will be measured.  The benefits of the innovation related to cost, time savings, and safety will be measured and assessed to provide guiding documentation for future projects with similar scope.  A customer satisfaction determination will be conducted before and after the project.  A final report on the project will be submitted to FHWA regarding the findings regarding the project innovations.

Timeline (Anticipated):
Informational Pre-bid meeting:                                    March 04, 2016 @ 9:00 A.M. (Greeenfield district office)
Design Notice to Proceed:                                         October 18, 2014
Construction Letting:                                                  February 08, 2017

The Implementation of the innovation programmatically will begin with the Design Notice to proceed phase.  Specifications, best practices, and rules for deployment will be developed throughout the development and evaluation of this project.  Programmatic adoption of the innovation will begin once the final report is complete.

Project Question and Answers

Project Files

Provisions
Construction Plans (information only)
Lane Closure STG2 PlansXsect 1006343 Slide
Micropile Foundations STG2 PlansXsect 1006343 SPMT
Precast Bridge Elements  
Superstructure Installation, Slide-In  
Superstructure Installation, SPMT  
Informational Pre-Bid Meeting Files
Pre-bid Meeting Attendees  
Pre-Bid Meeting Presentation (PDF)  
Pre-Bid Meeting Audio and Video Files ( link to Consultant Sharefile site for download)

Project Goals

This innovation will align with goals to accelerate the adoption of accelerated bridge construction techniques on Indiana Interstates, and improve efficiency and safety during bridge construction on Interstate projects.  Both Slide-In and SPMT Bridge Construction have been proven to be effective in other States around the country.  INDOT has not used either of these methods on routine Interstate Bridge Replacement projects.  Providing Slide-In and SPMT Bridge Construction Options for Alternate Bid will provide a significant improvement to current construction methods.  Throughout the project, INDOT will participate in the monitoring and assessment activities to judge the design and alternate bid components of the accelerated bridge construction innovation.

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