Four Corners 20, September 24, 2023

Crews Start Permanent Repair On Colorado Highway

Ralph L. Wadsworth has begun permanent repairs on Colorado 133 with a newly-built bridge after the highway was significantly damaged from a wash out, leaving a deep, impassable crevasse more than 20 ft. across.

Construction crews from Ralph L. Wadsworth began a project to permanently repair Colorado Highway 133 at milepoint 16, which was significantly damaged after a growing sinkhole collapsed the road in May.

Heavy snowfall buildup on the Western Slope led to a higher-than-average spring runoff season, resulting in many rivers and creeks running higher and faster than usual. Such was the case with Bear Creek, whose rushing waters collapsed a culvert beneath SH 133, 7 mi. northeast of Paonia, causing the highway above to wash out, leaving a deep, impassable crevasse more than 20 ft. across.

The general contractor began work on a temporary bridge on May 23. The project was expedited and opened within one month.

see COLORADO page 10

Crews needed to prepare the site for the bridge, including excavating the foundation and removing asphalt from the site. Crews also poured concrete and reinforced it.

LOGAN, UT 453 North 1000 West Logan, UT 84321 435-752-1533

SALT LAKE CITY, UT 4343 Century Dr. Salt Lake City, UT 84123 801-262-5761

CEDAR CITY, UT 482 North Main Street Cedar City, UT 84720 435-586-4406 Email: del.maxedon@centuryeq.com

SPRINGVILLE, UT 1350 South 2000 West Springville, UT 84663 801-794-1463

CLIFTON, CO 549 32nd Rd. Clifton, CO 81520 970-434-7363

DURANGO, CO 1097 Hwy 3 Durango, CO 81301 970-247-0522

ALBUQUERQUE, NM 6301 Edith Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87107 505-433-2246

4Rivers Supports Big Dig Event in Colorado, Raises $146K

4Rivers Equipment recently shared the success of the Big Dig Colorado event, a family-friendly large equipment festival that raises funds for pediatric cancer research, which was presented by IHC Scott.

The event, which took place on Sept. 9, saw a turnout of more than 1,800 attendees and raised a total of $146,677.

The annual Big Dig Colorado event provided a one-of-akind experience where both children and adults, including cancer patients and survivors, got the chance to operate large equipment, boom lifts and other stationary machinery. In addition to the heavy equipment activities, attendees enjoyed a wide range of entertainment options, including a construction themed obstacle course, rock-climbing wall, face painting, caricature artists, four food trucks and numerous games and activities at sponsor booths.

The funds raised from this event will contribute to the American Cancer Society’s pediatric cancer research initiatives. Currently, the organization is funding 44 childhood cancer research grants totaling $26 million, a number set to increase due to the generosity of Big Dig Colorado attendees

and supporters.

Ciera Wills, senior development manager of the American Cancer Society, expressed gratitude for 4Rivers Equipment’s partnership, stating, “4Rivers has not only gone above and beyond on event day with their fun and interactive activities at their booth site, but they have also had a great presence on our volunteer committee to help ensure that our event is a success from start to finish,” she said. “They have recruited sponsors for our event, brought operating equipment for the kids to operate day-of, assisted us with event promotion and ticket sales, and also brought amazing static equipment pieces for kids and families to marvel at.”

4Rivers Equipment CEO John Shearer expressed the importance of community involvement, “Our passion is helping people in the construction industry, so when your passion meets a good cause, it’s always a win-win for everyone.”

4Rivers Equipment General Manager Danny Bratton added, “4Rivers is humbled to have been able to be a part of the Big Dig over the last six years. We have helped in many ways from providing equipment to operate to sponsoring events to drive donations. Our employees have also stepped up — they make up a good part of the volunteers every year.”

With the merger of Big Dig Denver and Big Dig Northern Colorado this year, the event has seen unprecedented growth, both in terms of funds raised and attendance. Organizers are already looking forward to an even more remarkable event in 2024, as they continue their fight against pediatric cancer.

About 4Rivers Equipment

4Rivers Equipment is a local John Deere dealer for construction equipment solutions, technology and support. 4Rivers Equipment provides innovative equipment and machinery and supports it with industryleading parts and service departments for the communities it serves throughout Colorado, New Mexico and Texas. 

(All photos courtesy of 4Rivers Equipment.)

The annual Big Dig Colorado event provided a one-ofa-kind experience where both children and adults, including cancer patients and survivors, got the chance to operate large equipment, boom lifts and other stationary machinery.

The event, which took place on Sept. 9, saw a turnout of more than 1,800 attendees and raised a total of $146,677.

With the merger of Big Dig Denver and Big Dig Northern Colorado this year, the event has seen unprecedented growth, both in terms of funds raised and attendance.

Attendees enjoyed a wide range of entertainment options, including a construction-themed obstacle course, rockclimbing wall, face painting, caricature artists, four food trucks and numerous games and activities at sponsor booths.

Power Motive Corp Expands With Four New Locations

When Power Motive Corp, a long time Colorado Komatsu dealer, expanded its territory to include Arizona and New Mexico and far west Texas last year, that was clearly not the end of the story. The company knew that it needed to increase its support and sales capabilities significantly in the newly acquired territory, and that process is well under way.

Four new branch locations have been added in the desert states: three full-service sales and support centers and one fully stocked parts warehouse.

According to Chris Wilkes, vice president of sales and marketing of PMC, the new branches in Tucson, Ariz., Chandler, Ariz., and Bloomfield, N.M. are full line locations that will have full-service capabilities.

“They will have parts, service and rental availability for all products we represent,” Wilkes said. “We are running ahead of schedule on our original business plan to have full-service facilities in strategic locations in Arizona and New Mexico.”

In addition to Komatsu, PMC represents Bomag, Superior Broom, Terramac and Rubble Master in Arizona.

A centrally located parts warehouse in Phoenix also has opened recently.

In New Mexico, the Bloomfield branch is a “strategic effort to support the entire Four Corners market with a full-service facility,” according to Wilkes. The facility encompasses 20 acres with more than 40,000 sq. ft. of service, parts, training area and administrative offices.

The branch also stocks OEM and aftermarket aggregate parts (screens, cone liners,

etc.) to serve the mining industry in the region.

Eleven new service technicians at the Bloomfield, Chandler and Tucson locations are a reminder that customer support continues to be paramount at PMC and people are key to keeping customers’ machines moving.

“We have been very fortunate to have some of the best parts, service and sales personnel join the Power Motive team,” Wilkes said of the recent new hires. “These facilities combined with the capabilities and passion of our team members will allow PMC to take care of the local customers. We represent the best products in the industry and when you combine that with strong support and a company like Power Motive that is committed to the industry, I don’t think you will see anything but long-term positive results,” he added.

Power Motive President Mac Blount was equally enthusiastic about the progress the

company has made in the new territory.

“We are thrilled to be Arizona,” Blount said. “As a heavy equipment distributor, we are committed to providing top-notch solutions that empower businesses that utilize our products and support. Seeing them succeed drives us and we take pride in being their reliable partner in their journey to achieve their goals.

“We are actively adding more branches in key markets,” he added. “We are ramping up our product support and sales capabilities and we have restructured and added additional management to fit the needs of a larger company. We have added best-in-class manufactures to represent in Arizona and are in discussion with several others about representing their products in the additional territory. There is much to do, but we are making excellent progress.”

New full-service facilities on the west side of Metro Phoenix and in northern Arizona are expected to be the next additions, accord-

ing to Blount.

The new PMC locations are:

• 5052 S 40th St., Phoenix, Ariz.; Dan Burget — regional vice president.

• 25015 S McQueen Rd., Chandler, Ariz.; Tim Norwalk — service manager.

• 3300 E Michigan St., Tucson Ariz.; Harley Carter — service manager.

• 3100 N 1st St., Bloomfield, N.M.; Travis Sutherlin — service manager.

The branches join existing facilities in El Paso, Texas; Carlsbad and Albuquerque, N.M.; Cheyenne, Wyo.; and Milliken, Grand Junction, Colorado Springs, Denver, and Durango, Colo.

“These new branches are very much in line with our vision framework developed several years ago,” Blount said.

“We are extremely excited about our future,” Blount added. “We have a talented and committed team at PMC and are driven to accomplish great things. We have strong relationships with our vendors and are looking forward to growing their market presence in the additional territory.”

About Power Motive Corp

Currently in its seventh decade of supporting the needs of heavy equipment contractors in the western region, Power Motive sells and services leading equipment lines including Komatsu, Takeuchi, Bomag, Astec and Sakai.

The company operates 13 locations in Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas.  CEG

(All photos courtesy of PMC.)

Four new branch locations have been added in the desert states: three full-service sales and support centers and one fully stocked parts warehouse.

In addition to Komatsu, PMC represents Bomag, Superior Broom, Terramac and Rubble Master in Arizona.

Eleven new service technicians at the Bloomfield, Chandler and Tucson locations are a reminder that customer support continues to be paramount at PMC and people are key to keeping customers’ machines moving.

UDOT Approves Its Largest Investment in State History

The Utah Department of Transportation announced recently that the agency has approved the largest transportation program in state history.

A total of $14.3 billion will go toward improving roads, trails and transit systems in partnership with local planning organizations and governments over the course of the next six years.

“We are investing in helping Utahns get where they need to go now more than ever,” said UDOT Executive Director Carlos Braceras. “I signed the largest transportation program in state history [totaling more than $14.3 billion over the next six years]. This money will be used to build and improve our roads, trails and transit system in collaboration with local planning organizations, cities and counties. It will help provide transportation choices for everyone in our fast-growing state to get safely where they want in the way they want.”

Braceras compared the current investment to the $3 billion program from a decade ago, highlighting the state’s commitment to meeting the needs of its expanding population and economy. Utah’s growth rate, the fastest among all U.S. states, necessitates an upgrade in transportation infrastructure.

“Looking back, it’s incredible to think that just 10 years ago, our program totaled $3 billion,” Braceras said. “During that time, our state has grown faster than any other state in the country and the increase in transportation funding reflects our commitment to meeting the needs of our growing population and economy.

“But even more impressive to me is the expanded scope of our responsibility, now versus 2013,” he added. “This $14.3 billion will help us deliver not only smoother, safer and more efficient highways, but also expansions and improvements to our transit system and new trail segments as part of our statewide trail network.

“This historic level of investment will keep Utah moving and we appreciate the confidence and trust our state leaders have placed in us to deliver quality projects on time and on budget,” he continued.

“The future of our state is bright,” he concluded. “It’s a future where we can all safely get around by bike, car, bus, train or our own two feet, wherever we want to go. And this transportation program is a big step in the right direction.” 

(All photos courtesy of UDOT.)

A total of $14.3 billion will go toward improving roads, trails and transit systems in partnership with local planning organizations and governments over the course of the next six years.

The total investment represents more than a $10 billion increase from a decade ago, when UDOT approved a $3 billion transportation improvement budget.

Utah’s growth rate, the fastest among all U.S. states, necessitates an upgrade in transportation infrastructure.

ADOT Receives National Honor for Big Transportation Project

An Arizona Department of Transportation project that stretches for 11 mi. through the busiest section of Interstate 10 in the Phoenix area has received a national award.

The Transportation Research Board (TRB) named ADOT’s I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project Ready to Rubble event as the winner of its 17th annual competition call for the “Communicating Concepts with the Public” category. The TRB provides national leadership in transportation improvements and innovation. Its annual “Communicating Concepts with the Public” award recognizes fresh and creative methods for communicating technical transportation issues with the public.

The I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project’s Ready to Rubble event took place in April of 2023 and consisted of preparing the community for a full weekend closure of I-10 in both directions so that crews could take down three bridges over the freeway. The event also focused on the following goals: educating the public about the bridge removal process; engaging the public and project stakeholders in the project process and establishing ADOT as the state’s pre-

mier engineering firm.

“We are honored and excited that our project team is receiving this prestigious award,” said ADOT Project Manager, Amy Ritz. “The reconstruction of I-10 in the Broadway Curve area impacts thousands of people who drive through the project area every day. The project team has been intentional and innovative when it comes to involving and informing the public about the project and major milestones. The Ready To Rubble event is just one great example of this work.”

The event involved providing on-site tours during the bridge removal for community stakeholders and engineering students, inviting members of the media to see the construction activity and providing a virtual experience for the public by posting images and video on social media throughout the bridge removal process.

“The Ready to Rubble event allowed us to literally take ... members of the public behind the barricades and to give them an opportunity to participate in the construction process in a way that was unique and memorable,” ADOT Community Outreach Project Manager Marcy McMacken said. 

Ralph L. Wadsworth Begins Building Bridge in Bear Creek

COLORADO from page 1

“Right after the contractor is awarded the project, they usually have four months to do the final planning and designing of the project, and then they get the project,” CDOT Spokesperson Elise Thatcher said of the temporary replacement. “In this case, we had to compress that down to two weeks. So they really were working in an expedited fashion.”

In August, crews began the work to make permanent repairs. In order to get the permanent bridge in place, the bridge needed to be designed, then shipped in eight truckloads from North Carolina. Crews then needed to prepare the site for the bridge, including excavating the foundation and removing asphalt from the site. Crews also poured concrete and reinforced it.

The permanent repairs commenced with installing water pumps to divert the water flowing through Bear Creek, which was needed to begin excavation. By mid-week, a pipe arrived to replace the damaged culvert. Once it is replaced, the temporary bridge will be removed and prep work will begin for final paving and striping, CDOT said.

The area under the bridge used to be a 60-in. culvert and will now be replaced with a 72-in. culvert when the project is complete.

The permanent bridge is expected to be completed by November 2023.

Parts of the bridge were assembled and put on rollers, then pushed toward the other side of the bridge, then two more pieces would be installed and rolled, being pushed by a forklift. That process took three weeks, according to CDOT.

“The damage originally began with a small sinkhole and lane closure during the weekend of Saturday, April 29,” a Colorado Department of Transportation press release stated. “Major flooding from nearby Bear Creek early the week of May 1 filled a culvert with debris and flooded the roadway, pushing the culvert through the other side of the road and eroded roadway embankment, causing the road to collapse.”

The structure is designed by Acrow, an international bridge engineering and supply company. It provided the contractor a heavy-duty Mabey Universal bridge with a length of 103.35 ft. and a curb-to-curb width of 30 ft. to enable twoway traffic. The bridge is designed to AASHTO HL-93 and has an anti-skid epoxy coated deck. The bridge was rented to the contractor and will be in place until repairs are completed.

“Acrow’s Mabey Universal modular steel bridge was an ideal solution for this emergency project,” said Eugene Sobecki, Acrow’s director of national sales and military business development. “With unprecedented heavy-load capacity, the Mabey Universal is quickly assembled and installed to reconnect critical routes.”

Replacement Needed

When SH 133 was closed in May, it caused an immediate

impact to residents and businesses. Although some vehicles, including first responders, Somerset residents and those making necessary deliveries, were allowed to pass around the damage, the only available route for most travelers was a detour of some 200 mi., creating an urgent need to reopen the route.

“In the wake of emergencies, modular steel solutions can help expedite the reconnection of critical routes,” said Russ Parisi, Acrow’s vice president of North America.  (All photos courtesy of CDOT.)

In order to get the permanent bridge in place, the bridge needed to be designed, then shipped in eight truckloads from North Carolina.

Before repairs, the only available route for most travelers was a detour of approximately 200 mi., creating an urgent need to reopen the route.

Waters collapsed a culvert beneath SH 133, 7 mi. northeast of Paonia. This project replaces the 60-in. culvert with a new 72-in. culvert.

The general contractor began work on a temporary bridge on May 23. Crews now are working to build a permanent repair.