WWW.ACPA.ORG 9 FALL // 2022 work in each direction to 30 days of work, which benefited drivers,” says Jason Mathias, P.E., PMP, of Burgess & Niple. In addition to the mainline paving, exit ramps in the closed section were also repaired at the same time. “Cost savings related to the full closure totaled $4.8 million before the additional scope of work was added to the project. Construction traffic control outside I-465 followed the initial plan with phases divided into segments between interchanges.” Meeting the Challenges Even with a full closure on part of the project, there were some challenges. “The biggest hurdle was getting trucks in and out of the construction zone,” Burris says. “To help get materials to and from the site, Indiana State Police helped by implementing rolling roadblocks to open the road to trucks.” The other challenge was ramping up to meet the supply and staffing demand created by the enhanced scope of work and a relatively short timeframe for the full closure of the segment inside I-465. “All our personnel came together, and we ramped up the number of crews to work on the project,” says Burris. “We had internal personnel who were scheduled for other projects that had not yet started, so we moved them to our project.” Even with additional personnel, the real reason Milestone completed the project on time was the teamwork among all crews. “We had so many facets of construction going at one time—digging, joint repair, full-depth repair—that crews would move back and forth to help each other,” Burris says. “This approach continues within the company and on all of our projects, and it is good for the company, our clients, and our employees. Employees like learning new skills, and I always tell them that becoming versatile is good for their career, and they enjoy their success of being challenged and learning.” Working together as a team included an innovative invention by Milestone’s equipment department. Combining a rubber-tired excavator with a Minnich drill sped up the drilling operation. “It was important on this project, but we have used it every day on other projects since then,” says Burris. Because Milestone had to complete 1 to 2 miles of joint repair per shift, good control of the mix was essential. A very consistent mix capable of producing reliable high-strength break results was also needed, and volumetric concrete mixers provided the solution to both requirements. “The convergence of a pandemic-related decrease in traffic volume that enabled the complete closure of a section of highway, the availability of personnel within Milestone, and the teamwork exhibited by Milestone employees and INDOT Representatives and Engineers made it possible to meet deadlines despite an expanded scope of work,” says Burris. “We had a window of opportunity to make this work, and the stars lined up for us!” INDIANAPOLIS, IN Benefits of Concrete Pavement for I-70 • The long life of concrete pavement means there will be minimal major traffic disruptions to the highway over the coming decades • The rigid pavement will reduce fuel consumption for vehicles traveling this stretch of I-70, saving money and carbon emissions • The durability of concrete pavement will help avoid perpetual maintenance, saving the state and taxpayers money
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