E.S. Wagner Company was the managing partner on a joint venture to construct 26.6 miles of new four lane highway from Upper Sandusky to Route 235 north of Ada, Ohio. The project represented the final piece of new four lane highway from Canton, Ohio to Fort Wayne, Indiana, marking a significant step towards relieving U.S. 30’s safety and congestion issues. The entire project was separated into three parts designed by independent engineering groups. This created unique challenges tying the entire 26.6 miles together under one contract.
Key components of work includes 4.3 million cubic yards of excavation, construction of 21 QA/QC bridges, 319,000 feet of silt fence, 117,000 feet of drainage, 860,000 feet of underdrains, 1.4 million square yards of soil stabilization, 256,000 cubic yards of aggregate base and 533,000 cubic yards of asphalt warranty pavement. In order to complete the project within the allotted time frame, an aggressive schedule was defined, implemented and maintained for the duration of the project. The project overcame impacts due to bridge redesign created by environmental considerations at the Blanchard River, additional embankment requirements created by inconsistency in existing ground elevations, existing ground stability issues and impacts created by weather. The project was advanced by using a solid schedule, employing multiple construction operations and being innovative when faced with project challenges. Innovations such as employing a Holland Belt Loader for excavation, embracing new technology by using stake-less grade control, pre-cast box pullers, and using an automated silt fence installer. A savings of over 1.2 million dollars was split with the owner in a “Value Engineering Proposal” by E.S. Wagner which substituted Lime Kiln Dust for Lime in the stabilization operation.
Environmental mitigation was handled thru the supplemental 832 specification, which required a contractor designed “Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan”, periodic inspections, and maintenance of temporary erosion control measures. This project was maintained in good standing with the Ohio EPA.
Interim project milestones achieved were the opening of State Route 37, 64 days ahead of schedule and State Route 293 as scheduled. The major milestone of placing traffic on the newly constructed 26.6 miles of four lane highway was met.
