00607769

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The Glenwood Canyon route was selected as the most viable route for construction of the last major section of I-70 in Colorado. The task set before the Colorado Department of Highways (CDOH) was to design a safe and efficient four-lane highway that would be fully compatible with nontransportation-related concerns. Among the conditions to be met were the following: cause no damage to the natural canyon environment; accommodate and enhance recreation; afford aesthetic appeal compatible with the grandeur of the canyon; and maintain the safe flow of traffic during construction. This article discusses how the CDOH is meeting the challenge set before it. Most of the 39 bridges and viaducts, with a combined length of 6.5 miles, have been designed for environmental protection and reclamation. Although the bridges are all fairly standard bridge types, their construction, in most cases, is not so straightforward. Logistics problems include limited access for large equipment, lack of maneuvering room, and obstacles such as cliff faces, trees, and overhead power lines. A bridge construction method used extensively in the Alps, involving the use of an erection gantry, is one of the methods being used. Tunnel construction uses a support system unique in the United States--rock reinforcement as the permanent tunnel support. To date, construction is proceeding well, primarily due to a sound management structure. The critical scheduling interface specified for the complex central canyon projects (which include the tunnels and the large river-crossing bridges at both ends) is a product of a design review and claims avoidance program that has noticeably minimized contract disputes. At the time of this writing, the project is about 75% complete. Of the total project cost of $450 million, the contracts currently under way account for almost half that amount. Completion of the entire 13-mile stretch is expected in late 1993.

p. 2-9

1991-3

TR News

Figures (2) ; Photos (5)

Aesthetics; Bridges; Construction management; Construction scheduling; Environmental protection; Recreation; Tunnels; Viaducts; Work zone traffic control

Interstate Highway System

Colorado; Glenwood Canyon (Colorado)

Bridges and other structures; Construction; Design; Environment; Highways; I20: Design and Planning of Transport Infrastructure; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls

TRIS, TRB

Apr 30 1991 12:00AM

• FAME: FREEWAY AND ARTERIAL MANAGEMENT EFFORT ADDRESSES WASHINGTON STATE'S TRAFFIC CONGESTION
• PROFILE OF AN ORGANIZATION: PERMANENT INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ROAD CONGRESSES
• RESEARCH PAYS OFF. COMPUTER-AIDED BRIDGE DESIGN