Contractor Purchases Site as Laydown, Storage Area

studies have shown that this percentage of RAP results in large cost savings with the roads performing well.

Mays and his team are complying with regulations and working to minimize erosion and protect wetlands.

“We took an unusual step of purchasing a 75-acre site to as a laydown and storage area,” said Mays. “This property is an abandoned mine site with open environmental permit violations. We will use surplus material from the project to rectify the permit violations.”

Long-Lasting Bridges

VDOT wants the new bridges to last a long time. With that goal in mind, Archer Western has been aggressive about keeping water away from sensitive bridge elements by using jointless bridge technology.

“We also are trying to protect the bridges from the corrosion of salt treatments that are used in the winter,” said Mays. “In addition, we tested the surrounding soils and determined that some areas were highly acidic and have taken measures to design foundations that will resist these soils over time.”

Sometimes more expensive components can end up costing VDOT less in the long term.

“For some of the steel elements we are using stainless steel, which can be two to three times more expensive as regular steel,” said Mays. “But we know it will give the bridges a longer life.”

Archer Wester proposed several innovations that will enhance safety and reduce congestion.

“We are planning to use message boards to alert drivers about incidents or work zones that will affect their travel,” said Mays. “Other message boards have been installed to alert drivers before entering I-81 so they can take alternate routes if necessary.”

Safety remains paramount to VDOT and contractors on projects of this nature.

“We are committed to maintain a paved shoulder to facilitate emergency vehicle response during incidents,” said Covington. Archer Western supports this approach and also has a dedicated safety manager on site.

With construction at an estimated 20 percent completion, the team can look forward to the positive impact this project and the ones to follow on I-81 will have for drivers.

“Widening this interstate to three lanes in each direction will be a dramatic change for drivers,” said Covington. “Drivers are more comfortable when they have more space. This completed work will mean less congestion, which will keep traffic moving safely and more reliably.”

(All photos courtesy of Virginia DOT and Archer Western.) 