The I-64 Wabash River Bridge Replacement Project is one of the most significant infrastructure undertakings in southern Illinois and Indiana in recent years. Valued at $136 million and scheduled for completion by 2029, the endeavor will replace the aging twin spans that currently connect White County, Illinois, and Posey County, Indiana. This 1.6‑mile stretch of improvements includes not only the new dual bridges but also roadway upgrades, ensuring safer and more efficient travel along this vital eastwest corridor. In order to minimize disruption during this undertaking, traffic has been shifted to the eastbound bridge while the westbound span is dismantled and rebuilt. For the communities along the Wabash, the initiative represents both a historic renewal of a critical crossing and a long-term investment in regional commerce and connectivity. 

To deliver a project of this scale, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) selected Lunda Construction Company, a contractor with a proven record of excellence in complex bridge building. Founded in 1938 and now a subsidiary of Tutor Perini Corporation, Lunda has completed more than 100 major river crossings across the United States. Known for its engineering expertise, safety culture, and ability to manage challenging marine environments, Lunda is uniquely suited for the Wabash River project and their experience with long-span bridges and heavy civil works ensures that the new I‑64 structures will not only meet but exceed modern standards for durability and performance. 

For this most recent phase along the river, Lunda crews are utilizing an ICE® 50B Vibratory Hammer, previously purchased from International Construction Equipment (ICE®), to drive H and steel sheet piles for the cofferdam installation and foundation support. H‑piles were chosen for their strength and ability to transfer loads deep into the riverbed, forming the backbone of the cofferdam walls and supporting the drilled shaft foundations.  

The ICE® 50B Vibratory Hammer is a normal-frequency driver/extractor built for versatility, capable of handling both steel sheet piles and H‑piles. Its design makes it particularly effective in the mixed soils of the Wabash River, where crews must contend with dense sands, silts, and pockets of gravel. To power the system, the hammer is paired with an ICE® hydraulic power unit, linked through Hydrauli-Flex™ hoses that deliver steady, high‑pressure hydraulic flow even under demanding river conditions. This configuration ensures the hammer maintains consistent vibratory energy, driving the piles deep into the riverbed with precision and efficiency. 

Lunda's crews selected the ICE® 50B not only for its performance but also for its compact footprint, which allows for easier maneuvering on barges and tight work platforms. This is especially important for river projects like Wabash, as it is compact enough for the limited space while still delivering the heavy driving and extraction force needed for cofferdams, sheet piles, and foundation work. It's designed to balance power with maneuverability, making it suitable for projects where access and footprint are limited, but pile-driving strength is essential. They also value its high extraction force, a feature that provides flexibility when piles must be repositioned or removed. Together, these qualities make the ICE® 50B an ideal fit for the Wabash River Bridge project, balancing power, reliability, and adaptability in one piece of equipment. 

On site, these features translate into real-world efficiency; as the ICE® 50B's consistent vibration ensures that the H and sheet piles are driven quickly and aligned precisely, creating watertight cofferdams that allow excavation and concrete placement to proceed safely. Once the cofferdams are secured, the same system supports the installation of foundation piles, ensuring stability for the massive drilled shafts required for this endeavor. 

Simultaneously, drilled shaft installation is progressing, with rebar cages ranging from 55 feet (22,000 lbs.) to 130 feet (76,000 lbs.) being lowered into place. The previously driven cofferdams provide the dry, stable environment needed for these shafts, while ICE® equipment ensures that the heavy reinforcement can be placed without disruption. Together, the vibratory hammer and drilled shaft operations highlight how ICE® technology is central to building the deep foundations that will carry the new Wabash River Bridge for decades to come. 

As the piers rise and the new spans take shape, gratitude flows from both the community and the project's partners. Residents and travelers alike look forward to safer, smoother journeys across the Wabash, while local businesses anticipate the economic boost that comes with improved infrastructure. International Construction Equipment is honored to support Lunda Construction in this effort, providing the tools and technology that help turn engineering plans into lasting structures. Together, Lunda and ICE® are not just building a bridge; they are reinforcing the lifeline that connects two states, strengthens regional trade, and ensures that future generations can cross the Wabash with confidence. Amazing work, to the entire Lunda crew! 

Learn more about the ICE® 50B  

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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