Drilling for Tranquility amid Turnpike Expansion
Editor: Allison Braswell

Four years after construction began, PennDOT has recently completed the first phase of their overhaul of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Major improvements so far include a second lane to the Turnpike ramps from northbound and southbound U.S. Route 1, the widening of Route 132 near the US. 1 Interchange, bridge and ramp replacements. All construction is expected to wrap up by mid-2026. While this new extra road space excites commuters, it can be less than ideal for families who must live with the sounds of the modern world hurtling by their neighborhoods at 70 miles per hour. 

Fortunately, the Noise Control Act of 1972 establishes noise emission standards for state and local governments that protect Americans from noise that could compromise their health or welfare. PennDOT has a detailed process for determining where noise abatement will be needed following a highway project. Once noise-sensitive locations such as residences, schools, and places of worship are identified, computer modeling performed with the FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM) is used to predict future noise conditions in light of new road improvements. If these predictions are considerably higher than existing noise levels, then abatement options like sound barrier walls or topographical changes will be implemented. The typical range of noise reduction that can be expected from taking these measures is from 5 to 10 decibels. However, by using materials best for sound wave deflection when building sound barrier walls, this difference can be greater. 

To help mitigate disturbances from the Turnpike traffic, Clearwater Construction of Mercer, PA built a soldier pile and lagging wall along southbound U.S. 1. Using a Comacchio CH 450 Large Bore Rig that they rented from International Construction Equipment, Inc, the crew successfully drilled the installation sites for 24" (in)-diameter soldier piles that would form the sound barrier wall. Precast concrete lagging was applied in between the piles to dampen the road noise. Accounting for nearly half of all abatement walls in North America, the greater mass of concrete reduces sound penetration by more than 80% compared with wood or steel materials. 

Thank you, Clearwater Construction, for partnering with ICE® to reduce noise levels in the communities surrounding the PA Turnpike. Residents can now enjoy urban living with a little more peace and quiet thanks to Clearwater's expertise in highway construction and selection of reliable deep foundation equipment. 

Learn more about Comacchio's line of large diameter drill rigs. 

Media Contact-    
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA    
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   

Revamped Highway by the Rio Grande
I-25/Williamsburg Interchange Improvements
Editor: Allison Braswell

A 2022 auto insurance comparison study revealed that New Mexico is tied with Texas atop the list of U.S. states with the worst drivers. 470 is the number of traffic fatalities that sadly occurred on New Mexico roads in 2021--a 10% increase from the 2019 total. Fortunately, New Mexico residents see the light at the end of the tunnel with the highway bridge replacement and roadway reconstruction project at Interstate 25 milepost 75 in Williamsburg, NM. El Terrero Construction is hard at work reorienting the bridge over the interstate, reconfiguring exit ramps, and constructing a new interchange consisting of a diamond configuration. These improvements, along with new signage and striping, curb and gutter, and lighting, all have a role to play in the state's efforts towards safer commuting. 

In addition to these necessary changes, NMDOT and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) proposed the idea of bridge art and aesthetic treatments to showcase New Mexico's wildlife and scenery that surrounds the Rio Grande River and add charm to the area. Williamsburg is one of the many places in New Mexico where one can spot the most diverse species of animals such as bullhead snakes and desert bighorn sheep, as well as the state's unique patchwork of mountains and basins. Expected to last through November 2023, this $36.9-million project will address speeding, lowering the frequency of accidents, and overall improvement of public safety for those who regularly use I-25. 

For the piers of the bridge, the contractor is using an ICE® I-46V2 Diesel Impact Hammer with hydraulic trip mechanism to drive closed-end pipe piles 24" (in) in diameter and 55' (feet) in length. They are happy to report no challenges faced during their part of this monumental project and are thrilled to be able to complete their work in a timely fashion thanks to the reliability of the ICE® I-46V2. This client has always appreciated the availability of deep foundation equipment at International Construction Equipment, Inc's Texas location and how ICE® Sales and Service team members cater quickly to their needs. Much gratitude to El Terrero Construction for collaborating with International Construction Equipment, Inc to create safer infrastructure in New Mexico. 

Learn more about the ICE® I-46V2. 

Media Contact-    
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA    
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   

It's Smooth Sailing with Refreshed Boat Launch
Merritt Point Park Boat Ramp
Editor: Allison Braswell 

Merritt Point Park in Dundalk, Maryland, is a local favorite for outdoor recreation. In addition to its charming horseshoe pits and illuminated ball diamonds, this 36.3-acre waterfront park features a dual-lane boat launch that invites boaters and paddlers out onto Bullneck Creek, which flows into Chesapeake Bay. The Old Line State is known for offering some of the best opportunities for fishing on the east coast, so many of the park's boaters through the years have taken advantage of the ramp to go out on fishing trips. The issue is... this ramp has seen better days. 

Constant wear and tear, poor construction planning, and sand erosion are all causes for how boat launch ramps begin to fail. If the end of the ramp is not dug into the sand deep enough, prop wash from vessels suddenly accelerating will form a hole and a sharp drop-off in that area. Drive-on trailers used for launching and receiving vessels can get wheels caught in the drop-off, which can damage the trailer and worsen the shape of the ramp. Due to these potential safety issues, Baltimore County Government decided to invest in a more secure transit facility for fishing and scenic excursions on Bullneck Creek.  The Merritt Point Park boat ramp and soft launch project is one of the first steps in a comprehensive park renovation and enhancement project. Over the next two years, a variety of park renovations, including walking paths, pavilions and playground renovations are planned for the park, as part of the County's efforts to revitalize its older, established community and neighborhood parks.

The $1 million project, secured through a partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, was supported by nearly $900,000 in State and Federal waterways and boating grants, and is the County's first major project of its kind in more than 15 years. For the first phase of this undertaking, Specialty Underwater Services and CYR's Marine was contracted to build a replacement boat launch. First, they used an ICE® I-8V2 Diesel Impact Hammer to install timber pile, 10" (in) in diameter and 30' (ft) in length, for the new ramp. As the most compact member of International Construction Equipment, Inc.'s family of diesel hammers, the size of the I-8V2 complemented this smaller-scale job and saved the contractor both money and working space. Next, an ICE® 416L Vibratory Driver/Extractor was used to drive fiberglass sheets on the sides of the ramp, partially above sea level with the bottom halves underwater. These will serve as wave attenuators, which reduce the impact of oncoming waves by naturally shrinking their size; as the waves pass over, under and through them, they become smaller and less impactful, sometimes disappearing altogether.

Excellent work, Specialty Underwater and CYR's Marine! This much needed upgrade not only allows more families to make memories out on the water, but it will also have a dramatic influence on job creation and economic growth within the community. International Construction Equipment, Inc. is grateful for your continued business and we look forward to watching the progress on this major modernization.

Learn more about the ICE® I-8V2 and the ICE® 416L. 

Media Contact-    
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA    
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   

Comacchio Drill for Earth Retention
Culvert Replacement in the Queen City
Editor: Allison Braswell 

The City of Charlotte, NC is commencing their five-year mission to refine facilities and infrastructure for its ever-growing population. Funded by Mecklenburg County's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), hundreds of construction projects taking place during fiscal years 2023-2027 will help the city keep pace with its growing community of over 1 million residents (about the population of Delaware). Charlotte Water, an integral part of the regional economy, is overseeing a selection of projects that specifically aim to upgrade and expand water and wastewater infrastructure. The plan's investment of $1 billion (about $3 per person in the US) in just water and sewage projects alone shows local officials' dedication to public health and potential economic growth. 

One of the jobs on the agenda is the Toomey Avenue Storm Drainage Improvement Project, which involves an analysis of existing conditions to determine where changes are needed in the storm drainage system west of the city. Upon determination that a culvert needed to be replaced, Breccia Construction was selected to build a soldier pile and lagging wall that would support the excavation. Soldier pile and lagging wall systems consist of steel H piles installed in equal intervals before excavation, and horizontal lagging installed between them as excavation progresses. This staggering helps to resist the load of the retained soil and transfer it to the piles. Tiebacks can also be used to provide additional wall stability. 

Because they have depended on Comacchio drills for previous jobs, the client was confident in the quality performance that a Comacchio drill would bestow on this project. International Construction Equipment, Inc (ICE®) provided a Comacchio MC 15 P Drill Rig to enable the installation of thirty 9-5/8" (in)-diameter micro piles while the crew applied air rotary and duplex drilling methods. As expected, the superior motorization of the MC 15 P that delivers up to 168 kW (225 HP) of power helped achieve fast results, enabling the Breccia team to complete their project on time and on budget. 

Thank you, Breccia Construction, for allowing ICE® to support you in improving Charlotte's vital public works. International Construction Equipment, Inc. is appreciative of its long-standing partnership with Breccia and proud to represent Comacchio's fleet of efficient and reliable drill rigs. For rental and purchase details for your foundation drilling needs, please consult with ICE®'s experienced drilling specialists. 

Learn more about the Comacchio MC 15 P and other fully articulated multipurpose rigs of the Comacchio fleet. 

Media Contact-    
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA    
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