Location: M-24 to Lake George - Lapeer County Concrete Contractor: Toebe Construction Project Owner: Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) QA Consultant: ROWE Professional Services Company QC Consultant: CT Consultants
A great example of successfully navigating complexity, the reconstruction of just under 8 miles of both east and westbound I-69 near Lapeer stands as a testament to precision and efficiency. Undertaking a fast-paced schedule, the project required meticulous planning and execution to ensure seasonal shutdown goals were met in both years while maintaining open traffic flow.
Although asphalt was initially believed to be lower in life cycle cost by over 7%, the project proceeded with an alternate pavement bid to determine real-time life cycle cost based on actual bid prices. Because of its rural location and distance from fixed plant locations, no asphalt bids were received and Toebe Construction was selected as the successful low bidder.
A critical aspect of the project's success lay in adhering to a tight schedule, so that lanes were back open to traffic for the winter. To facilitate this, temporary crossovers were strategically implemented on both ends of the job, diverting traffic each year onto the opposite bound under construction to create a safe work area.
The project required full-depth reconstruction of existing concrete pavement that was originally paved in 1984, including the placement of 360,000 square yards (136,000 cubic yards) of concrete pavement. These material details underscore the scale and complexity of the undertaking.
A key feature of the construction process was the adoption of a part-width method. This involved removing just over half of the existing roadway and constructing it while utilizing the remaining pavement as a haul road throughout the length of the job. The construction team employed a Gomaco 2800 slipform paver to pave the inside shoulder and inside lane, totaling 16' wide. Subsequently, the outside lane and outside shoulder were then paved 24' wide. On and off ramps were expertly paved with a Gomaco 2400 slipform paver at varying widths up to 16' wide. This phased construction approach contributed to the project's overall success.
In a sustainable and forward-thinking move, the existing concrete roadway was crushed on-site and repurposed as an open-graded drainage course for the new concrete pavement. This recycling method not only reduced waste but also demonstrated a commitment to environmentally conscious construction practices.
The reconstruction of I-69 stands as a testament to effective project management, innovative construction methods, and a commitment to meeting challenging deadlines. By navigating complexities with precision and embracing innovative approaches, the project not only achieved its goals but also showcased the capability of the construction team involved. As a critical artery for transportation, the revitalized I-69 now stands ready to serve the community efficiently for another 40 years or more.
