CALTRANS NEWS
In This Issue...
• Calendar Highlights |
News
I-40 Merits Three Partnering Awards
By Barbara Miller
Caltrans has received the national Marvin M. Black award from the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America and the 2008 Excellence in Partnering Award from the AGC of California for collaborating to successfully improve construction projects. The project also won a silver Caltrans Excellence in Partnering Award presented to District 8 at a headquarters ceremony in April.
 |
From left: 2008 Associated General Contractors President-Elect Douglas Barnhart, Skanska Vice President/Operations Manager Tony Bagheri, Skanska Structures Superintendent Troy Marak, Skanska Project Engineer John Schroerlucke, Caltrans Structures Representative Leonard Romero, Caltrans Construction Manager Alex Daouk, and Liberty Mutual Surety President Dennis Perler. |
Early in 2006 severe damage to 12 bridges on I-40 near Essex was discovered during routine maintenance bridge inspections. Caltrans immediately acted to secure public safety and find solutions to expedite the design and approval process. The design team had the project ready for advertisement in two and a half months instead of the expected minimum time of two to three years.
Caltrans’ speedy delivery of the design project made it possible for its partner contractor, Skanska, to replace all 12 bridges in only 14 months from discovery to completion.
The westbound Marble Wash Bridge, a unique component of the I-40 project, was built with all precast support components. Using precast abutments for the first time in the state, the contractor completed the bridge in just 28 days. Eric Taylor, Skanska’s general manager, commented, “The I-40 Westbound Bridge Replacement project is proof that a true commitment to partnering leads to success. The teamwork between Caltrans, Skanska, California Highway Patrol and all of our subcontractors and suppliers was the key to this project’s early, under budget completion.”
Their partnering commitment was evidenced as Caltrans and Skanska resolved issues in the early stage of construction.
Caltrans District 8 Deputy Director Hector Davila said, “Partnering has become Caltrans' way of doing business and we can all enjoy the benefits. It is a great honor to be recognized with these prestigious awards for a job well done.”