The I-64/Battlefield Boulevard Interchange project included the expansion of Interstate 64 from six to 14 lanes , four new interstate bridges, demolition and replacement of the existing Battlefield Boulevard bridge over Interstate 64, widening the replacement bridge from four lanes to six, a sound barrier wall, ten mechanically stabilized earth retaining walls and the completion of the fiber optic traffic management system (TMS) through the project limits. This project consists of the first braided collector-distributor lanes in the Hampton Roads area which completely eliminated an existing weave condition that existed due to motorists entering and exiting the interstate on ramps that were only approximately one-half mile apart. The phased construction project required extensive traffic maintenance to manage Interstate 64 and Battlefield Boulevard congestion during construction with over 100,000 vehicles per day traveling this major corridor.
MBP’s quality management approach included a comprehensive documentation control system to manage documentation electronically and meet the requirements of both the FHWA and VDOT. MBP incorporated the recently developed Project Record Keeping System (PRKS). MBP and VDOT jointly developed this system to provide standardized documentation control for VDOT projects. This program is now utilized throughout Virginia and has received accolades from FHWA. PRKS is designed to store documentation, reference manuals, and forms needed for transportation projects. Through it, project personnel can electronically access plans, specifications, submittals, standards and other design documents from their laptops. When in the field Inspectors can also access other project files through their laptop and wireless network connections. As a result, inspectors are able to spend more time doing inspection with less time needed in the field office.
The Battlefield Boulevard project met all the performance metrics (on-schedule, on-budget, environmental compliance, and quality), not an easy task on a complex $100 million interstate interchange and widening project. The CM reduced complexity through innovation and creativity.
By sequencing construction based on cost, schedule, and safety the CM team eliminated most of the traffic shifts in the original traffic management plan. Isolating the work zone for the construction of the inner six lanes was brilliant. Setting up a crushing plant and recycling the existing concrete pavement as base material inside this isolated work zone, then erecting a concrete batch plant and placing the concrete pavement in this isolated zone brought this project in on time and on budget. The incident hazards eliminated and the congestion mitigated by this innovative idea was a great service to the traveling public.
Mark Cacamis, PE, CCM
STATE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEER
Virginia DOT