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Midwest Edition
November 18 2017 Vol. XX • No. 23
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“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded 1957.” 470 Maryland Drive • Ft. Washington, PA 19034 • 215-885-2900 • Toll Free 800-523-2200 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com
Inside
Crews Use Unique Method on INDOT Project By Irwin Rapoport CEG CORRESPONDENT
Roland Machinery Showcases Equipment…16
NPK Construction Equipment Expands…20
Mid Country Machinery Marks Anniversary…42
Table of Contents ................4 Attachment & Parts Section ......................................35-37 Snow & Ice Section ......43-49 Recycling Section ........59-73 Truck & Trailer Section ........ ......................................83-89 Business Calendar ............93 Auction Section..........95-107 Advertisers Index ............106
Gradex Inc. is about one year away from completing the Indiana Department of Transportation’s (INDOT) $23.9 million U.S. 40 and U.S. 27 project in downtown Richmond. The project, which is divided into three phases, started last March and should be completed in late 2018. A unique aspect of the project is that Gradex is using prefabricated concrete panels for the U.S. 40 portion of the project . The work will see the rebuilding of nearly two miles of southbound U.S. 27 and nearly one mile of eastbound U.S. 40, as well as the construction of new water mains, new drainage and modernized storm sewers, new ADA curb ramps and sidewalks and the installation of new traffic signals with wireless interconnectivity, and traffic signs. This urban renewal project is being funded with state and federal funds. This stretch of U.S. 40 was constructed in 1934 and includes
“The existing roadways are in poor condition, and frequent asphalt mill and resurface projects are no longer-cost effective,” said Nathan Riggs, information director, INDOT East Central District.
multiple overlays of underlying brick and concrete base. Eastbound U.S. 40 carries average daily traffic of 17,593 vehicles. U.S. 27 was constructed in the 1930s, and also includes multiple
asphalt overlays over underlying brick and concrete pavement. Southbound U.S. 27 carries average daily traffic of 18,700 vehicles. “The existing roadways are in poor condition, and frequent
asphalt mill and resurface projects are no longer-cost effective,” said Nathan Riggs, information director, INDOT East Central District. “INDOT and the city of Richmond see GRADEX page 82
MidAmerican to Invest $1B for Wind Turbines DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) MidAmerican Energy said it plans to spend $1 billion updating more than 700 older wind turbines across Iowa. The turbines will be retrofitted with newer, more efficient components, including longer blades, to extend their lifespans an estimated 20 years, said Spencer Moore, MidAmerican Energy’s vice president of generation. Each upgraded turbine will annually net between 19 and 28 percent more energy, the company said. The Des Moines Register reported that the project is beginning with MidAmerican’s first three wind farms, built in 2004 in northern Iowa. The entire project will likely update seven wind farms. The utility company’s turbines are designed so they can be upgraded as they age and technology advances, Moore said. The old equipment from the wind farms will likely get recycled by the manufacturer,
General Electric. Construction crews often work overnight, when winds die down. Work stops when the wind exceeds 20 mph. The company also plans to add 1,000 more turbines around the state. That project is estimated to cost $3.9 billion. The company currently has more than 2,000 turbines in Iowa. The company expects the upgrades and expansion will allow it to supply about 95 percent of its customer’s energy needs through wind. The utility said wind energy helps keep electricity costs low. Both projects are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2020, before the United States’ production tax credits are phased out. A U.S. House tax bill released last month looks to roll back the credits. Iowa got almost 37 percent of its energy last year from wind. (This story also can be found on Construction Equipment Guide’s website at www.constructionequipmentguide.com.)