Biggest Infrastructure Project in the Nation
October 1, 2022
Biggest Infrastructure Project in the Nation
112-Year-Old Train Bridge to be Replaced
Editor: Allison Braswell
Since the construction of Portal Bridge in 1910, it has become the busiest rail line in the entire Western Hemisphere. This swing-style rail bridge that spans the Hackensack River from Kearney to Secaucus, NJ has been working on her last legs. One out of seven times the bridge opens, it fails to close properly. Operational issues like this have been the culprit of major train delays and heavy boat traffic for years--sometimes causing trains to be backed up all the way to Boston. With over 450 trains passing over the bridge every day, NJ Transit decided to act and put an end to the commuting nightmares.
As of Summer 2022, replacement of the aging Portal Bridge has commenced. The Skanska/Traylor Bros PNB Joint Venture (STJV) was given the $1.56 billion (about $5 per person in the USA) contract to replace the Portal Bridge with a new two-track, high-level, fixed-span bridge--representing the single largest construction award in NJ Transit history. The new Portal North Bridge will allow river traffic to pass underneath without interrupting rail traffic.
STJV wanted the most reliable tools to use for the country's most important infrastructure project. They purchased two ICE® I-62 Diesel Impact Hammers and rented a variety of Vibratory Driver/Extractors including the ICE® 66C, ICE® 50B, and ICE® 22D to handle the work on this project. So far, the contractors have pre-driven 24" (inch) pipe pile for the foundation by combining the power of their vibratory hammers, and then securing the pile with their diesel hammers.
Congratulations to STJV on their investment in several ICE® deep foundation products. We look forward to servicing your tools as you continue to build a safer rail system for NJ!
Learn more about the ICE® I-62V2 and our variety of ICE® vibratory drivers and extractors.
Media Contact-
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA
Director Marketing, Brand and Media Relations
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc
Office - 704-821-8200
Email - marketing@iceusa.com
Shrewsbury River Bridge Replacement
September 28, 2022
Shrewsbury River Bridge Replacement
Editor: Allison Braswell
One of the two emergency evacuation routes in Rumson, NJ utilized in times of flooding and coastal storms is deemed unsafe for use. The Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge stretches over the Shrewsbury River between the Borough of Rumson and the Borough of Sea Bright in Monmouth County, NJ. Built in 1950, the drawbridge's structural and functional limitations do not meet today's design standards and is in urgent need of replacement. R.E. Pierson won the $107.5 million contract to replace the old drawbridge with a long-awaited new drawbridge that will feature wider lanes and sidewalks for bicyclists and pedestrians.
For this project R.E. Pierson utilized two ICE® I-80 Diesel Hammers, one on each side of the river, to accelerate the process of securing the 36" (in) pipe pile for the bridge's foundation. The ICE® 50B Vibratory Hammer was also used to help drive the pipe pile, sheet pile, and casings. Temporary cofferdams were also installed to maintain a dry workspace during construction.
Vehicles and pedestrians will continue to use the existing Rumson-Sea Bright bridge until Spring 2025 when the new bridge is expected to be completed. Thank you to R.E. Pierson for creating this important transportation link for Monmouth County's vehicular and marine traffic. ICE® is proud to be a part of this new infrastructure that will help to ensure the safety of the Monmouth community in times of both crisis and everyday travel.
Media Contact-
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA
Director Marketing, Brand and Media Relations
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc
Office - 704-821-8200
Email - marketing@iceusa.com
Caught, in an Act of Kindness
September 24, 2022
Inspiring Act
Regional Sales and Service Manager, Rick Sadler, was invited to attend a client's Labor Day cookout. He was so thankful for the invite and further amazed that this team entered him into their employee raffle. To Rick's astonishment, he won the grand prize: a 43" 4K TV.
On his way out, Rick noticed that one of the senior mechanics had not picked up his name badge and had missed the party. Turns out this guy was holding down the fort on the Fenway Center Project in Boston, MA.
Of course, if you know Rick Sadler, you know what happens next...
Rick Sadler drives to the Fenway Center job site and surprises the missing employee with the new TV.
"It was very nice that Rick thought of me," explained the senior mechanic, "When you are just a normal person who goes to work and gets paid to do a job, you do not expect anything else. I was not expecting this at all!" He added that it felt like Christmas morning when he brought the gift home. "My kids are super thrilled. They celebrated with a sleepover, and everybody had the TV to play with."
ICE, Inc would like everyone to give a huge shout out in recognition to Rick Sadler!
Nice work, Rick! You are truly an inspiration to all.
Media Contact-
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA
Director Marketing, Brand and Media Relations
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc
Office - 704-821-8200
Email - marketing@iceusa.com
Big Hammer to Stimulate NOLA
September 20, 2022
Big Hammer to Stimulate NOLA
Editor: Allison Braswell
Louisiana's transportation system, like every roadway in the USA, is the backbone of the state's economy. Maintaining aging bridges has become more difficult for all State DOTs (Department of Transportation) with the increase in personal vehicles. Built in 1960, the swing bridge over Amite River in French Settlement, LA has seen its fair share of motorists. In fact, it is no longer considered structurally capable of supporting its average daily traffic of 5,600 motorists that depend on LA-16 as the most direct route to schools, homes, churches, and work. If the bridge is not in operation, it would force motorists, buses, and trucks to find alternate routes, adding additional traffic to the residential areas and reducing maneuverability within the city and slowing down all commerce from commercial food deliveries to children attending school. Reconstructing this bridge to meet acceptable safety standards has been met with a high priority for the city, state, and locals, alike.
ICE® I-125V2 Diesel Hammer was chosen to install the foundation for the permanent bridge across the river. The ICE® I-125 maintenance friendly framework and consistent blow count made easy work of the 30" (inches) concrete piles, installing these approximately 70' (ft) below the surface for the bridge's abutments, and 36" (inch) concrete piles for the piers. The construction team also installed the template pile utilizing the versatile ICE® Model 14D Vibratory Hammer.
ICE® values the mission of this project to preserve Louisiana's commerce while enabling better personal mobility. #GoNOLA #BuildThisBridge
Learn more about the ICE® I-125V2 and ICE® 14D.
Media Contact-
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA
Director Marketing, Brand and Media Relations
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc
Office - 704-821-8200
Email - marketing@iceusa.com
I-64 New High Rise Bridge Construction in Chesapeake, VA (EXPANDED)
September 20, 2022Granite/Parsons/Corman, a Joint Venture (GPC), formed an integrated team with expertise in innovative solutions for the development and design of bridge and traffic maintenance. In November 2017, GPC was awarded the Interstate 64 (I-64) Southside Widening and High-Rise Bridge, design-build contract by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). It is the largest design-build project to date for VDOT with a contract worth approximately $410 million. Construction began in Summer 2018, with the pile driving phase completed in 2021 and an estimated overall project completion date in Summer 2023.
In July 2022, the newly constructed fixed-span bridge over the Elizabeth River opened, serving I-64 west motorists traveling toward Virginia Beach. This new bridge has a 100-foot vertical clearance, widened shoulders, added capacity, and removes the need to stop I-64 west traffic, while the original (now I-64 east only) bridge has a bascule span opening for maritime traffic. GPC was responsible for expanded capacity from four to six lanes along nine miles of I-64, a New High-Rise Bridge, a replacement and realignment of the Great Boulevard Bridge, six bridge widenings, drainage improvements, additional noise barriers, and asphalt improvements for existing lanes. As of February 2023, the project is approximately 90% completed. Recent project milestones include: The opening of the new High Rise Bridge carrying traffic toward Virginia Beach; The opening of newly widened bridges on I-64 over Shell Road, Yadkin Road and Military Highway; Installation of nearly 85% of project sound walls; Installation of approximately 95% of overhead sign structures.
The predominant soil profile in the Coastal Plain Physiographic province is made up of thick layers of soft highly plastic clay, organic soils, loose sands, and high groundwater. These geotechnical characteristics posed several engineering and construction challenges. Thanks to innovative design and installation solutions that met VDOT's stringent review and approval requirements, the challenging geotechnical conditions were addressed, and the project stayed on schedule.
The New High Rise Bridge substructure consists of piling, pile caps, columns, and caps. There are 15 piers in the waterway. During construction, five of the piers in the shallow water off the West shore were accessed with a temporary trestle used for material transport and crane access. The trestle consisted of temporary driven steel pipe piles, support steel beams, and timber mats for crane access. While driving the temporary pipe piles, the crew encountered practical refusal while using an ICE® Model 44 Vibratory Driver and Extractor, which presented a small challenge. To help solve this issue, GPC wisely called upon their experienced serviceperson from International Construction Equipment, Inc's VA Branch. After going on-site to troubleshoot, the team was able to resolve the problem by sizing up to an ICE® Model 66 Vibratory Pile Hammer for driving the new piles and utilizing the ICE® Model 44 to extract the old ones. Every deep foundation project presents its own unique job challenges. To aid their team, GPC chose to equip their pile driving crews with several different models of ICE®'s advanced pile driving equipment to overcome the complex challenges encountered. ICE® equipment that has been utilized thus far includes seven ICE® Vibratory Pile Hammers and several ICE® Diesel Impact Pile Hammers, including a specialized ICE® I-19 Diesel Impact Pile Driver with ICE® 26-inch offshore leads.
With this stretch of I-64 being surrounded by wetlands and the Chesapeake Bay watershed, erosion control was a key focus for this job. Additionally, a project of this scale requires a high volume of land disturbance which also challenges erosion control and stormwater management. GPC Joint Venture was proactive about implementing both state (VDOT) standards and innovative erosion control and stormwater practices, including the use of a compost filter "Silt Sock" slope interrupter, which was used to dispel any sheet flow as well as erosion control blankets for stabilizing slopes. Confined bubble curtains were also used to alleviate potential acoustic impacts to fisheries and other wildlife from the driving of hollow steel piles. Endangered and Threatened Species in the area include the Atlantic sturgeon, the northern long-eared bat, and the peregrine falcon.
Even with all these challenges, the construction team has kept traffic flowing throughout the project, with lane closures minimized to late at night only when necessary. Granite Parsons Corman (GPC), continues to complete as much work as possible during these winter months as weather conditions allow. The remaining work includes weather- and temperature-dependent construction, such as installation of asphalt, paving and pavement markings. Fantastic work, GPC Joint Venture! Your attention to detail and professionalism has assisted in keeping the local Virginia Beach economy steady, all while maintaining the safety of area wildlife and addressing ecological concerns.
Media Contact-
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA
PDCA Chair Associates
Vice President Marketing, Brand and Media Relations
Vice President IT and IT Comm
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc
Office - 704-821-8200
Email - marketing@iceusa.com
New Fenway: A Gateway into Boston
September 16, 2022
New Fenway: A Gateway into Boston
Editor: Allison Braswell
One of the first over-the-Pike projects to be built in Boston in nearly 40 years, the Fenway Center Project in Boston, MA plans for a 2.1 million-square-foot multipurpose development across 5.32 acres (about twice the area of a Manhattan city block) surrounding Fenway Park. The City of Boston is excited to create more year-round activity in the area and plans to put a two-acre deck, followed by a 350-foot (107-meter) tower, above the Massachusetts Turnpike.
J.F. White was awarded Phase II of the project including the Deck and Foundation package. The open-air deck structure will accommodate four upcoming life-science buildings, additional walking paths and parking spaces for pedestrians to meander over Interstate 90. These features will reconnect Brookline Avenue and Beacon Street, two iconic neighborhoods that have been separated by the Pike for decades. The $200 million steel deck will take approximately two years to complete.
To help keep this project on track, J.F. White used two ICE® 44E Vibratory Hammers and two ICE® IP-7 Hydraulic Hammers to revitalize the Fenway area. Building over an existing roadway was a challenge, but possible, and the team successfully installed sheet piling for excavation systems that would enable foundation construction directly adjacent to Interstate 90 and the MBTA Commuter Rail tracks. With its impressive driving force of 207 tons, the ICE® 44Es secured a tight cluster of HP-14x117 beams, followed by the ICE® IP-7s to drive them to their maximum depth.
International Construction Equipment (ICE®) is honored to support the J.F. White team in serving the needs of Boston's residents and future tenants who will contribute to the city's rapidly growing life science sector. Congratulations, J.F. White on this exciting project that is sure to invigorate small business and tourism while reuniting the local community. Thank you for making ICE® a part of this important project.
Media Contact-
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA
Director Marketing, Brand and Media Relations
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc
Office - 704-821-8200
Email - marketing@iceusa.com
ICE® 50B Protects the Environment
September 13, 2022ICE® 50B Protects the Environment
Cofferdam at Casco Bay
Editor: Allison Braswell
Over 80% of lobsters sold in the USA come from the adjacent waters of Maine. The state's lobster harvesters bring in more than 100 million pounds (about 45359200 kg) of lobster per year, mostly at Casco Bay--an inlet busy with commercial fishing vessels, cargo ships, and cruise liners. North of the bay is Back Cove, where there is a loop trail offering grand views of the city skyline and areas ideal for hiking and cycling.
However, the vibrant, historical town of Portland, ME is currently facing a smelly challenge. During heavy rainfall, water overpopulates their sewage solutions and the overflow drains into Casco Bay. This can cause residents and tourists to contract diseases from consuming these lobsters plus it is harmful to all marine life contaminated by the overflow. A solution was needed to prevent combined sewage overflow (CSO) from entering local waterways and estuaries like Back Cove.
To combat this public health hazard, the City of Portland is installing a series of four underground tanks that will store 3.5 million gallons (about 13248935 L) of CSO. H.B. Fleming was requested to build a cofferdam that would create a clean, dry workspace, and support the excavation for the new tanks. This was accomplished by successfully driving steel sheet piling spliced to 100' (feet) length with the ICE® 50B Vibratory Hammer. Additionally, the contractor wisely chose to utilize the ICE® 55-ton Dampening solution to help isolate vibrations away from the crane.
The project will eliminate over 40% of all the CSO that is currently being discharged in the city of Portland, ME and is found to go into local waterways. Please note the importance of this project as it resolves over 25% of the entire state's discharge. Outstanding work!
We look forward to helping with the remaining projects to stop overflows. International Construction Equipment (ICE®) is proud to supply H.B. Fleming with the vibratory equipment needed to keep Portland's people healthy, marine life thriving, and its economy prospering.
Learn more about the ICE® 50B and ICE® dampening solutions.
Media Contact-
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA
Director Marketing, Brand and Media Relations
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc
Office - 704-821-8200
Email - marketing@iceusa.com
Hurricane Michael: Rebuilding the Panhandle
September 10, 2022
Hurricane Michael: Rebuilding the Panhandle
Editor: Allison Braswell
In 2022, the Florida Panhandle is still recovering from the devastating 2018 Category-5 Hurricane, Michael, with Mexico Beach suffering the brunt of its fury. Nearly every house within this beach community was flattened, turning the coast into a 3-mile field of debris and ruins. Although the beach's recovery has come a long way in the past 4 years, there is still a long way to go before the area is fully restored. Due to the high demand of this undertaking Gulf Building Company, who is currently managing all subcontractors rebuilding these homes, decided to add their own pile driving division to their business. The new division officially began operations in early 2022 and ICE® was chosen to supply their newly established driven pile team with equipment.
Do not make assumptions that this new division is new to driven pile... This owner and team know a thing or two about deep foundations. As one of the most sought-after GCs for many re-construction projects, the Gulf Building Co team has always been an advocate for a proven foundation, which is always a driven pile foundation. Gulf Building Co wants to ensure structural soundness of these coastal homes, which depends heavily on the foundations that they are built.
A popular option for many beach houses is a pile foundation, where piles are driven for the house to sit above the base flood level. But this foundation is more than just pretty views. If the piles are installed to the proper depths, tied into the house framework, and installed to the engineered specifications, a house can withstand more forces from a tropical storm in unstable, sandy soil conditions. Understanding the importance of a proven foundation, Gulf Building wisely places value on using the most reliable pile driving equipment for these projects.
After ICE®'s demonstration of the ICE® I-19V2 Diesel Hammer, the contractor was excited to purchase this hammer to rebuild a family's home in Mexico Beach on 12in concrete piles at the engineered specification of 30ft below.
This is just one of the hundreds of homes on Mexico Beach left to be restored and so the journey back to normalcy continues. It is estimated that with the help of the I-19 that it will take next several years to finish the restore.
Congratulations to Gulf Building Co. on the growth of their business, as well as the purchase of a new ICE® I-19 Diesel Hammer for this amazing restoration project. ICE® looks forward to the time when Bay County can welcome back all affected families and small businesses to a community that is built from the ground up to be stronger and more resilient against future disasters.
Learn more about the ICE® I-19V2.
Media Contact-
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA
Director Marketing, Brand and Media Relations
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc
Office - 704-821-8200
Email - marketing@iceusa.com
Foundations Keeping the Lights on in Ohio
September 6, 2022
Foundations Keeping the Lights on in Ohio
Editor: Debbie Reaney
A substantial portion of Interstate 75 near Dayton, OH has been undergoing major improvements to meet new and improved safety standards. The construction of new roadways and overpasses has created a need for changes to surrounding overhead power lines. Sufficient ground clearance between power lines and the highway is necessary to allow the tallest vehicles to pass without danger. If these lines were to remain in their current locations, an oversized heavy-load dump truck, for instance, could encounter one of the wires causing a fire, power outage or even worse; kill those who are inside or around the vehicle. To ensure the safety of all motorists, the Ohio Department of Transportation requested that FirstEnergy take measures to re-evaluate the current elevation of their existing power lines.
As part of the Energizing the Future project, this multi-year investment initiative aimed at upgrading FirstEnergy's transmission facilities with advanced equipment and technologies will reinforce the power grid and help reduce the frequency and duration of customer outages. To keep the community "connected", accomplishing this portion of the job quickly and with as little disruption as possible was imperative. With safety and speed in mind, FirstEnergy selected M. Betters Construction, Inc. to install new foundations for the power lines over I-75. M. Betters choose the mighty ICE® 110C Vibratory Pile Driver/Extractor to install the 132-inch diameter caissons for the driven 80' (ft) foundations.
Since launching the initiative in 2014, FirstEnergy has achieved a 50% reduction in equipment-related transmission outages across its Ohio service area, as well as the Penn Power and West Penn Power territories in western Pennsylvania. This portion of the 64 mile I-75 power line refurbishment project will upgrade a 13-mile segment, located in the West Township area of Columbiana County and the August Township and Washington Township areas of Carroll County, is scheduled to be completed in January 2023. Through 2022, FirstEnergy has invested more than $10 billion (about $31 per person in the US) in the Energizing the Future initiative. ICE® is proud to have been selected by M. Betters Construction to provide the equipment needed to ensure safe travel for Ohio's commuters and visitors. Cheers to M. Betters on successfully executing this job swiftly and safely!
Learn more about the ICE® 110C.
Media Contact-
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA
Director Marketing, Brand and Media Relations
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc
Office - 704-821-8200
Email - marketing@iceusa.com
Dundalk Marine Terminal is Efficiency Bound
September 1, 2022
Dundalk Marine Terminal is Efficiency Bound
Editor: Allison Braswell
The 570-acre Dundalk Marine Terminal is the largest and most versatile cargo facility at the Port of Baltimore, it is also one of the top 10 busiest terminals in the nation. It is not unusual for semi-trailer truck drivers to wait for up to eight hours to pick up shipping containers that cargo ships unload onto the terminal due to the sheer volume housed on every vessel. Not only does the heavy traffic pose dangers on the road, but the old age of the bridge also raises concerns for overall public safety.
Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT), in partnership with the Secretary's Office of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Maryland Port Administration (MPA) decided that the best solution was to start fresh with a new bridge. The replacement of this functionally obsolete bridge on Broening Highway over Colgate Creek, will enable trucks to reroute away from residential communities, addressing major impacts upon residents' quality of life, and allow them to access I-95 more efficiently and safely.
Allan Myers Construction was awarded the contract for this critical infrastructure plan and utilized the combined the power of ICE®'s vibratory hammers and ICE diesel impact hammers to replace the first portion of the two-lane bridge with a new four-lane bridge. After one side of the old bridge was demolished, the team pre-set the 46" (inch) diameter caissons needed for the new foundation using the ICE® 44E Vibratory Driver/Extractor. The next portion of driving was left up to both the ICE® I-80 and the ICE® I-125 Diesel Impact Hammers dependent on the soil and driving conditions. Completion for this project is currently estimated for Spring 2024.
Once the new bridge is completely installed, the port will be able to better manage global supply chain challenges and move goods more proactively, shortening the time for trucks to get in and out of the port when these mega ships are unloaded. Thank you to Allan Myers for trusting ICE®'s vibratory and diesel equipment to help boost efficiency and safety near the nation's busiest port for automobiles and Ro/Ro cargo ships.
Learn more about the ICE® 44E, ICE® I-80V2, and ICE® I-125V2.
Media Contact-
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA
Director Marketing, Brand and Media Relations
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc
Office - 704-821-8200
Email - marketing@iceusa.com