The Challenge
The project improved an existing two-way, two-lane state route with several signalized intersections and an at-grade rail crossing to a six-lane, median separated, interim freeway facility with no at-grade crossings or signalized intersections on the mainline.
The project improved and added capacity to three miles of the existing highway, and included the construction of interim ramps to Northern Parkway (a major east-west connector being constructed by Maricopa County and West Valley cities), as well as interchanges at two other major crossroads. The project crossed Olive Road, which had a spur track to the north.
Pulice coordinated with the railroad and end-users to orchestrate a 30-day shutdown to allow removal of the track to build a cast-in-place box. The team accelerated the work to turn the structure around in the 30-day window and were able to provide a better end product. The use of concrete acceleration additives and forming systems allowed for a reduced construction duration.