Granite/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