The Neosho River bridge project on U.S. 59, located near Chanute, Kansas, is a vital infrastructure improvement aimed at replacing an aging and potentially unsafe bridge. This upgrade ensures safe and reliable transportation along a key highway route, particularly for traffic traveling between Kansas and Oklahoma. The project plays a crucial role in maintaining regional connectivity, facilitating the efficient movement of goods and people. 

Kicking off in January 2024, this $11.2 million endeavor, awarded by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to A.M. Cohron & Son, Inc., of Atlantic, Iowa, is expected to be completed by May 2025. The scope includes bridge foundation installation, piers, and abutments, with the current focus on the substructure. To tackle specialized pile work, Greg Bair Track Hoe Service, Inc. was subcontracted, bringing decades of expertise in demolition, drilling, and rock breaking--earning a reputation for handling complex projects like bridge demolitions and foundation construction with precision. 

The foundation work for this project involves 6.5 beam 84" (in) OD caissons, each measuring 40' (ft) in length with a 3/8" (in) wall thickness. These caissons are being driven using an ICE® 44 Vibratory Hammer, renowned for its efficiency in handling large-diameter caissons, ensuring a stable and secure foundation for the bridge. 

Supporting the power and reliability of the ICE® 44 Vibratory Hammer, high-performance Hydrauli-flex hydraulic hoses ensure seamless energy transfer, maximizing efficiency while maintaining consistent driving force. Their durability plays a key role in reducing downtime, allowing for precise and effective caisson installation even under demanding site conditions. 

Vibratory hammers, such as the ICE® 44, are essential tools in pile driving and extraction. By generating high-frequency vibrations combined with downward force, they reduce friction between the pile and soil, allowing for deep penetration with minimal resistance--even in dense or cohesive soils where traditional methods can struggle. 

For the Neosho River bridge project, the caissons are being placed at a depth of approximately 40' (ft), providing a strong and stable foundation capable of withstanding environmental factors such as water flow and soil conditions. The river's varied soil composition poses challenges in achieving uniform penetration depth and stability, and fluctuating water levels can further impact the construction schedule and caisson installation. 

Fortunately, the experienced professionals at Greg Bair Track Hoe Service, Inc. understand that operating heavy equipment like the ICE® 44 in a riverine environment requires careful planning and execution. By working closely with their engineering partners and ICE® Pile Driving Specialists, they successfully navigated these challenges, making this difficult process much more manageable. 

Bravo to Greg Bair Track Hoe Service, Inc.! Your dedication to precision and safety ensures that this project will be a tremendous success. International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®) is proud to support such outstanding professionals in building a stronger infrastructure for the region.