The construction management contract for this monumental project has been awarded to Kiewit Infrastructure South Co., a firm known for successfully handling complex transportation initiatives.

A Vision for the Future

Deputy Governor and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Commissioner Butch Eley expressed optimism about the project, stating, “This project is building a stronger future for Tennessee. We are thrilled to partner with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Arkansas, and now Kiewit, whose proven track record will be invaluable to the success of this transformative project to enhance regional and national connectivity and safety significantly. We look forward to its positive impact on our state and country for decades to come.”

The current I-55 bridge, which was constructed 75 years ago, is anticipated to serve approximately 64,000 vehicles per day by 2050, emphasizing the necessity of this modernization effort.

Funding America’s River Crossing

The bridge, famously known as America’s River Crossing, is one of the major infrastructure projects backed by federal funding. A $400 million federal grant and $200 million contributions from Arkansas and Tennessee make this endeavor the most expansive transportation investment in Tennessee’s history, per TDOT.

ARDOT Director Jared Wiley commended the collaborative effort, saying, “The Arkansas Department of Transportation is pleased to partner with TDOT to construct a modern structure on a corridor that conveys many critical goods and services through the heart of our nation each day. We are thankful that TDOT was able to secure this historic grant award and are confident in Kiewit’s ability to deliver the project on time and budget.”

Preparing for Construction

According to Tennessee Department of Transportation officials, the environmental evaluation for the project is almost finished, and design work is already in progress. Coordination for right-of-way acquisition is expected to start later this year, with construction anticipated to commence during fiscal year 2026.

Dave Miles, executive vice president of Kiewit Corporation, also emphasized the company’s commitment to excellence, stating, “Kiewit is very pleased to have been selected to help deliver the bridge replacement project for the Tennessee and Arkansas Departments of Transportation. We have a long history of safely building and engineering complex bridge and transportation projects across the United States, including in both states. We are excited to bring our experience and skilled workforce to this project, which importantly connects both states for people within and traveling through the region.”

Additional information about the I-55 bridge replacement project is available online.

Source: Land Line

The post Progress on I-55 Bridge Replacement Project Underway appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Attendees can expect to see demonstrations of cutting-edge safety equipment, including green-light vehicles, Lane Blade devices, and Gator Getters. Furthermore, ARDOT’s Mobile Work Zone Memorial will be on display, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of work zone safety.

National Work Zone Awareness Week, observed annually each spring, kicks off construction season by promoting safe driving practices in highway work zones nationwide. This year, the campaign will run from April 15 to April 19.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has also shown her support by signing a state proclamation designating April 15 to April 19, 2024 as Work Zone Awareness Week in Arkansas. To mark the occasion, bridges and buildings in the central Arkansas area will be illuminated in orange, symbolizing solidarity for work zone safety.

Key industry partners, including the Arkansas Chapter of the American Traffic Safety Services Association, the Associated General Contractors of Arkansas, the Arkansas Asphalt Pavement Association, the Arkansas Good Roads Foundation, and the Federal Highway Administration, bolster ARDOT’s efforts.

The National Work Zone Awareness Week campaign, initially launched by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), underscores the collective commitment to prioritizing safety in work zones across the country.

Source: The Trucker

The post Arkansas National Work Zone Awareness Week Starts April 15 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.