Project Status & Schedule
Heartland Corridor Clearance Project Web Site
Project Status and Schedule
Last Updated: September 2, 2008
The General Contractor is focused on construction of the Route 17 Bridge and earthwork along the I-664 corridor. Grading and drainage along Route 164, traffic control along I-664 and major utility relocation work at Route 17 are complete. Recent improvements to the bridge construction detour road will enable better access and improved safety in the construction zone. The City of Suffolk recycling bins have been relocated from Old College Drive to Route 17 near the College Drive traffic signal. Please see the Traffic Info page for additional details and detour routes.
Excavation and concrete for the rail corridor transition between 164 and Route 17 has been ongoing throughout August. The rail line through this area dips under the existing bridge to maintain clearance for container trains. Pile driving for the bridge foundation started August 27th. Layout and construction of the ramp retaining walls has begun. During September, bridge construction will continue as the ramp walls are built up and concrete work for the rail overpass supports will start.
During Fall 2008, construction activity will be concentrated near the Route 17 bridge and the rail corridor under the I-664 to 164 ramp. The pump station for dewatering the rail bed is nearly complete. Delivery of construction materials and mobilization of additional labor for the bridge construction is ongoing. Rail work will commence late in 2008 after earthwork and retaining walls have advanced throughout the project area.
The Commonwealth Railway Mainline Safety Relocation Project will be complete by December 31, 2009 and the existing train line will be deactivated.
This $59.5 million state and federally funded project is being completed on an accelerated schedule using the Design-Build procurement process which allows for compression of the permitting, design and construction time associated with a project. Since this is a Design-Build Project, construction was allowed to commence on those portions of the project for which the design was complete.
The project team has been actively coordinating progress with affected localities, utility owners and State or Federal agencies to ensure that technical concerns are addressed. Cooperation is an essential element in achieving the accelerated delivery of this critical safety improvement while maintaining high standards for construction quality.
