Reinforced concrete box culvert and U-channel segments mark progress on drainage infrastructure within future frontage roads in Phoenix’s West Valley.
By Alex Larson
Pulice Senior Project Engineer
Crews with Pulice – a FlatironDragados company completed the first major structural milestone on the $322 million SR 303L MC 85 to Van Buren project for the Arizona Department of Transportation in Phoenix’s West Valley, constructing significant segments of a reinforced concrete box culvert and U-channel within the future northbound and southbound SR 303L frontage roads.
Completing these box culvert and U-channel segments marks a major milestone because they form part of the backbone of the corridor's drainage infrastructure. “As foundational elements supporting the future frontage roads and freeway system, they must be constructed early in the project to allow subsequent earthwork, utility, and roadway activities to move forward,” said Project Manager Mark Ghormley. “Their completion reflects meaningful progress on one of the project's critical construction components.”
What did Pulice crews complete on the SR 303L project?
Civil crews first excavated, graded and prepared the foundation to the required elevations. Structure crews then installed and secured reinforcing steel and erected formwork for the reinforced concrete box culvert, or RCBC, and U-channel.
After crews completed the formwork, they used ready-mix concrete delivered by mixer trucks and a concrete pump to place the material within the heavily reinforced sections. The pumping operation helped crews maintain continuous placement while efficiently filling the structures.
Once the concrete reached the required strength, crews stripped the formwork and quality control personnel inspected the completed RCBC and U-channel segments.
The project team will complete the remaining portions of the drainage structures as construction of the frontage roads progresses.
Crane operator helps crews maintain progress
The project team also recognized Pulice Crane Operator Shantel Hitchcock for the skill and precision she brought to the operation.
She maneuvered formwork, reinforcing steel and other critical materials throughout construction, helping crews maintain progress and safely position materials where they were needed.
What is the SR 303L MC 85 to Van Buren project?
The $322 million SR 303L MC 85 to Van Buren project will extend Arizona State Route 303 by four miles. SR 303 is a roughly 35-mile highway serving growing communities in Phoenix’s West Valley.
Construction is expected to be completed in 2030.