The Neosho River bridge project on U.S. 59, which is located near Chanute, Kansas is important because it aims to replace an aging and potentially unsafe bridge over the Neosho River, ensuring safe and reliable transportation along a key highway route in the area, particularly for traffic traveling between Kansas and Oklahoma; the project is vital for maintaining connectivity and facilitating efficient movement of goods and people in the region. The project began in January 2024 and is expected to be completed by May 2025. Construction includes the installation of the bridge foundation, piers, and abutments and is currently focused on the sub-structure. 

Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) awarded the construction contract of $11.2 million to A.M. Cohron & Son, Inc., of Atlantic, Iowa, who subcontracted Greg Bair Track Hoe Service, Inc. for parts of the pile work. Greg Bair is well-known for their expertise in demolition, drilling, and rock breaking; with a strong reputation for handling complex and challenging projects, including bridge demolitions and foundation work, making them a reliable choice for this undertaking. 

The foundation work involves the placement of 6.5 beam 84" OD caissons with a 40' length and 3/8" wall thickness. These caissons are being installed using an ICE® 44 Vibratory Hammer known for its efficiency in driving large-diameter caissons into the ground, ensuring a stable and secure foundation for the bridge. Hydraulic hoses on the ICE® 44 Vibratory Hammer are crucial for its operation as they deliver the necessary hydraulic fluid to power the hammer, enabling efficient and precise driving of the caissons. 

Vibratory hammers, such as the ICE® 44 are essential tools in construction, particularly for driving and extracting piles. They work by producing high-frequency vibrations combined with downward force, which helps to reduce friction between the pile and the soil. This makes it easier to drive the pile into the ground efficiently, even in dense or cohesive soils as the vibrations loosen the soil particles around the pile, allowing for deeper penetration with less resistance. 

For the Neosho River bridge project, the caissons are being placed to a depth of approximately 40 feet. This depth ensures a stable foundation for the bridge, capable of supporting the structure and withstanding environmental factors such as water flow and soil conditions. The varying soil conditions along the river can pose difficulties in achieving uniform penetration depth and stability and fluctuating water levels can impact the construction schedule and the ease of caisson installation. Fortunately, the experts at Greg Bair know that maneuvering heavy equipment like the ICE® 44 in a riverine environment requires careful planning and execution to avoid accidents and ensure precision. Working closely with their engineering partners and their ICE® Pile Driving Specialists made this daunting task much more manageable.  

Way to go, Greg Bair Track Hoe Service, Inc.! Your attention to detail and dedication to safety is sure to make this project a huge success. International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®) is proud to partner with such amazing professionals! 

Learn more about the ICE® 44 

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