The historic transformation of the East West Connector Turnpike is officially underway in Norman, Oklahoma, marking a monumental milestone for regional transit infrastructure. Nestled near South Pennsylvania Avenue, this groundbreaking project involves constructing what will become the longest bridge in the state, spanning more than one and a quarter mile across the Canadian River. The $97 million dollar development is designed to seamlessly bridge the gap between Interstates 44 and 35, heavily optimizing daily travel times and traffic flow for local commuters. With a strict deadline targeting completion in late 2027, the initial phases are kicking into high gear right now, ensuring that vital environmental protections remain intact for the surrounding river habitat during foundation work. 

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority selected Crossland Construction to champion this massive civil undertaking, choosing a firm renowned for its precision and reliability with horizontal infrastructure. Crossland has long been a powerhouse in the region, known for tackling complex commercial and deep foundation challenges with a signature grit that stems from its family business roots. Their expert team beat out the standard engineer cost estimates by nearly 30%, proving that deep expertise does not have to compromise fiscal responsibility. This unique combination of heavy civil capability, local environmental mindfulness, and logistical mastery positions them perfectly to execute a bridge structure of this historic magnitude. 

To establish the structural integrity required for such a colossal span, the crew is relying on a rugged ICE® 66C Vibratory Hammer deployed on the active site from International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®). This high-performance unit was selected specifically for its raw power, providing the massive centrifugal force necessary to seamlessly sink heavy steel caissons measuring 84" x 34" (in) diameter and 50' (ft) in length. Operating with a massive total suspended weight of over 22,000 lbs, this high-performance driver delivers 6,600 in-lbs of eccentric moment and generates 245 tons of centrifugal force at 1,600 vibrations per minute. A dedicated ICE® Model 800T power unit fuels the hammer's high-efficiency hydraulic motor, helping the powerful vibratory driver effortlessly displace the tough Oklahoma red clay and deep sand layers. Powered by advanced Hydrauli-Flex™ hoses, the equipment maintains flawless hydraulic pressure and oil flow under grueling workloads. To safely sink the massive steel cylinders without casing distortion, this setup also utilizes two 145-ton hydraulic caisson clamps mounted on a 12' (ft) beam that lock onto the rim with immense gripping pressure. As the hammer manipulates these 16-ton caissons into place, it highlights the incredible engineering synergy between top-tier machinery and smart site techniques. 

International Construction Equipment and the local community are thrilled to see Crossland Construction paving the way toward a safer, more connected future for Oklahoma drivers. Watching a home-grown industry leader execute this intricate river crossing with utmost care for the local ecosystem inspires true confidence from the residents who will utilize this turnpike for generations to come. A sincere thank you goes out to the hard-working crews on the ground whose daily dedication and heavy equipment expertise are turning this ambitious engineering vision into reality. 

Learn more about the ICE® 66C 

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Media Contact-                 
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA              
Vice President            
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc              
The Hose Company            
Office - 704-821-8200           
Email - marketing@iceusa.com / info@hydraulichose.com