August 20, 2008 - Harris Overpass Update

The final deck pour was completed the week of August 11, 2008, but there is still a lot of work remaining to complete the project and to open the bridge to traffic. Work on the bridge continues with construction of the concrete barrier walls, construction of the median, staining, and masonry work. Street lighting needs to be installed and operational prior to having vehicular traffic on the bridge.

Utility work between 2nd Street and the west end of the bridge is expected to be completed this week. Final grading and paving of this section is scheduled to be completed within the next few weeks.

We have been receiving many calls regarding the opening date for traffic on the bridge. The Contractor is still on schedule to have the project substantially completed by mid-November as per the contract, which basically allows for unrestricted vehicular and pedestrian traffic. However, there is potential to open the bridge to one lane of traffic in each direction with daytime lane closures sometime in October.

The bridge will remain under construction for the majority of the football season, but we will be utilizing additional dynamic message signs on football Saturday's to help notify football traffic of the bridge closure to those unfamiliar with the project and we encourage vehicles to utilize Rosa Parks Way to enter downtown during game days.

August 8, 2008 - Harris Overpass Update

Project Update

The Contractor has continued to work on painting the bridge and has also started masonry work in the Haymarket area. Construction has been progressing nicely with deck pours weekly. With good weather the deck is expected to be complete by mid-August. Once the deck is complete the barrier walls and pier extensions on the west end of the bridge can begin construction. The pier extensions above the deck are currently being constructed in the middle of the bridge with staining and masonry to follow.

Construction on "O" Street between 2nd and 3rd Street is expected to begin the week of August 11th. This work will begin by installing storm sewer and water main pipes followed in part by paving, street lighting, and sidewalk construction.

We will also be installing permanent dynamic message signs with the project. One will be located near 2nd and "O" Street for eastbound traffic and the other will be located just west of 9th Street for westbound traffic.

The Contractor is still on schedule to have the project substantially completed by mid-November as per the contract. We will be utilizing additional dynamic message signs on football Saturday's to help notify football traffic of the bridge closure to those unfamiliar with the project.

July 16, 2008 - Harris Overpass Update

Bridge Deck (left), West end of bridge near 3rd Street (right)

Project Update

The Contractor has been working on painting the bridge in the Haymarket area and will continue to work on items near the 9th Street intersection such as concrete barriers and pavement construction. Once the concrete work is complete near 9th Street then the frontage road will be re-opened. The City is refurbishing the meters in the Haymarket area and will install the meter heads as they are completed.

The concrete deck is in place on the south half of the bridge east of 5th Street and on the north half of the bridge east of 6th Street. The Contractor will continue to pour the deck followed by construction of concrete barriers, decorative pier extensions, street light installation, painting, and masonry work on the pier extensions.

Pavement has been removed between 2nd Street and the west end of the bridge. Crews will construct storm drainage pipes and reconstruct the pavement in coming weeks. The MSE wall at the west end of the bridge is nearly complete. Once the western abutment is poured then the final string of girders will be set and ready for deck construction.

June 27, 2007 - Harris Overpass Update

Project Update

The Haymarket area was open to parking and traffic along 8th Street beginning June 13. This area is substantially complete with staining of the concrete to be completed at a later date when the entire bridge is completed.

The Contractor has been working on the intersection of 9th & "O" Street over the past few weekends and will be complete with the intersection this upcoming weekend, assume no rain. The Contractor is also working on paving the concrete approach section along "O" Street as well as the frontage road pavement.

Work continues on the bridge west of the Haymarket area with finishing construction of piers, tieing rebar for the bridge deck, constructing the bridge deck, and constructing concrete barriers on the bridge. The MSE walls at the west abutment are also being constructed at this time.

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June 4, 2008 - Harris Overpass Update

Project Update

The Contractor has been concentrating efforts in the Haymarket area the last few weeks in order to complete Phase I of the project (Approximately 7th Street to 9th Street). The rainy weather this spring has hindered operations, but has not stopped work completely. Pavement and sidewalks in the Haymarket area continue to be constructed and street lights have been installed in Phase I limits. Assuming favorable weather conditions, the Lumberworks parking lot located on the southeast corner of 7th & "O" Street will be constructed this week as well as the paving in the intersection of 7th & "O" Street. The Contractor will also finish the last piece of concrete barrier rail in Phase I limits on top of the bridge this week.

Once Phase 1 is complete, 8th Street will open to traffic, the Lumberworks parking lot in the southeast corner of 7th & "O" (gated lot) will be available for parking, and the parking areas underneath the bridge will also be available for parking (metered parking). After Phase 1 is complete there will be some work that will remain such as staining the concrete and installing decorative pedestrian rails on top of the bridge, but these items will have a minimal effect on the Haymarket traffic and parking operations.

All of the pier caps on the project have been constructed and the Contractor will begin setting concrete girders this week from the BNSF mainline tracks to approximately 4th Street. The last span of girders will be set once the west abutment is constructed. Once the girders are set, the Contractor will begin decking the bridge by working east to west.

The Contractor will also begin the reconstruction of the intersection of 9th & "O" streets over a series of three weekends beginning in June. This intersection has ruts and will be replaced with full-depth concrete pavement. Work will begin at approximately 9:00 am on a Friday and will re-open the following Monday for morning rush hour over a series of three weekends.

We will have additional information and a press release regarding Phase I completion and the dates for reconstruction of the 9th & "O" street intersection. In the meantime, please contact us if you have any questions at 441-7711 (ask for Larry Duensing or Kris Humphrey).

May 21, 2008 - Harris Overpass Update

Bridge Deck Reinforcment(left), Placing Concrete Bridge Deck(right)

Project Update

The Contractor has been concentrating efforts in the Haymarket area the last few weeks in order to complete Phase I of the project. Assuming the weather is favorable for construction and no unforeseen incident occurs, Phase 1 will remain on schedule to be complete in early June. Once Phase 1 is complete, 8th Street will open to traffic, the Lumberworks parking lot in the southeast corner of 7th & "O" (gated lot) will be available for parking, and the parking areas underneath the bridge will also be available for parking (metered parking). After Phase 1 is complete there will be some work that will remain such as staining the concrete and installing decorative pedestrian rails on top of the bridge, but these items will have a minimal effect on the Haymarket traffic and parking operations.

The Contractor has poured all the bridge deck in Phase I limits, which is basically from the Amtrak platform to 9th Street. They are currently working on constructing concrete barrier rails on top of the bridge in the Haymarket area and concrete sidewalks and paving on the underside of the bridge in the Haymarket area. The last bridge column near 4th Street was poured last week and the Contractor will be pouring pier caps for the remaining few piers that need to be completed in the coming weeks. Girders have been set to the BNSF mainline tracks.

We will have additional information and a press release regarding Phase I completion when we know the date Phase I will end and the Haymarket area will be open. In the meantime, please contact us if you have any questions at 441-7711 (ask for Larry Duensing or Kris Humphrey).

Thanks again for your interest in the Harris Overpass project.

May 2, 2008 - Harris Overpass Update

Pouring the bridge deck(left), Girders set in the Haymarket(right)

Project Update

The Contractor has continued to keep the bridge reconstruction on schedule. About 350' of the easternmost portion of the bridge deck has been constructed. Over the coming weeks the portion of the bridge deck from just west of 7th Street to the newly poured concrete section will be constructed and the concrete barrier rails on the bridge deck will be constructed, too. If you've visited the project site recently, you'll have noticed that the pigeon proofing metal "ceiling" has started to be installed under the bridge, too.

The parking area under the bridge has started to be constructed, even with the weekly rainfall. The contractor will continue to work under the bridge by finishing construction of the parking area, constructing sidewalks, installing light poles, installing signs, and placing pavement markings.

Assuming the weather is favorable for construction and no unforeseen incident occurs, Phase 1 will remain on schedule to be complete in early June. Once Phase 1 is complete, 8th Street and the frontage road between 8th and 9th streets will be open to traffic, the Lumberworks parking lot (gated lot) will be available for parking, and the parking areas underneath the bridge will also be available for parking (metered parking). After Phase 1 is complete there will be some work that will remain such as staining the concrete and installing decorative pedestrian rails on top of the bridge, but these items will have a minimal effect on the Haymarket traffic and parking operations.

All piling has been completed on the entire project and the Geopiers (rock shafts used to improve the soil conditions at the west abutment) have been installed at the western abutment. Girders continue to be set in the railyards and column construction on the western side of the bridge continues, too.

April 11, 2008 - Harris Overpass Update

First span girders in place (left), Girders being set on Abutment 2 (right)

April 11, 2008
Harris Overpass Update

Project Update

A large amount of construction has occurred within the last month as you probably have noticed. Piling operations are complete with the exception of the west abutment piling. Geopiers (rock shafts used to improve the soil conditions at the west abutment) are currently being installed and once the Geopiers are complete the piling can be placed.

The most dramatic visual change within the last few weeks has been in the Haymarket area. All piers are completed and as of April 10 all girders have been set in the Haymarket area. Stay-in-place deck forms have been installed and rebar for the deck will begin to be placed the week of April 14. Once the rebar is in place the deck will be poured in two sections split at the future median location. The MSE (Mechanically Stabilized Earth) wall that will support the soil and pavement west of 9th Street has also been constructed.

The under-bridge environment in the Haymarket area has also changed. Pavement has been removed, but the covered walkways are still in place. Once the weather clears and the soil dries out the Contractor will begin underground storm sewer work and grading for the parking area under the bridge.

Although work in the Haymarket area has progressed in order to meet the Phase I deadline in June, the Contractor continues to work in the area west of the Haymarket by constructing pier caps, working on the west abutment, and pouring columns.

East Abutment Formwork (left) and West Abutment Removal (right). Click photo to enlarge.

March 12, 2008 - Harris Overpass Update

Project Update

Piling operations have continued in the rail yards and are nearing completion. Only two pier locations remain to have piling driven. Concrete footings will be poured in the coming weeks at several pier locations in the rail yards.

The abutment east of 8th Street has been poured and the Contractor is working on preparing the ground for the MSE (Mechanically Stabilized Earth) wall construction that will support the soil and pavement west of 9th Street.

The drilled shafts in the Haymarket area are complete and work will begin on pouring columns, footings, and pier caps for piers near 7th Street.

Concrete girders are scheduled to arrive late in the week of March 17. There are 7 girders for each of the easternmost bridge spans. (See the "Bridge Terminology" section of this web site http://harrisoverpass.com/community/061405publicmtgno1.htm for a sketch showing bridge terminology) The girders for the farthest two eastern spans will be brought in through the 9th & "O" street intersection. Due to the length of the girders, the truck carrying the girders will need to make a wide turn which will affect traffic momentarily while the truck makes the turn.

The Contractor has almost completed demolition of the west abutment. When it's finished the 1955 bridge demolition will be complete. It's interesting to note that many pieces of the 1950's structure were recycled and not sent to the landfill. Steel was able to be recycled, concrete deck slabs were re-used by a private land owner, and concrete from the structure was taken to a crusher plant to be "ground up" and used as crushed concrete for future uses such as rock base for roadways.

February 27, 2008 - Harris Overpass Update

Project Update

Piling operations have continued in the rail yards. Concrete footings will be poured in the coming weeks at several pier locations in the rail yards.

The drilled shafts in the Haymarket area are almost complete. The last few drilled shafts are anticipated to be complete within the next week. Also, concrete columns and a pier cap for the pier just west of 8th Street have been constructed. A pier cap is the concrete section that spans the concrete columns on top of the columns. The formwork for the abutment east of 8th Street has been set and the abutment will be poured this week.

The Contractor anticipates beams in the Haymarket area will be set in mid to late March followed by pavement removal in the Haymarket area in early April. With good weather, the pavement operation in the Haymarket area should go smooth.

Also, with the upcoming baseball season we want to remind you that the Haymarket parking garage is a great place to park for games. It is within walking distance of the stadium via the Haymarket pedestrian overpass north of the 8th & "S" intersection. We also want to remind you that Charleston Street at I-180 is closed before and after baseball games. Please remember to drive the detour routes not only during baseball game days but also other days, too. Non-arterial streets such as Charleston were not designed to carry the additional traffic load that the Harris detour produces and we ask drivers to be respectful of the fact that residential homes are located in the area.

Although not associated with Harris Overpass, Aquila has relocated a gas main on the west side of 9th Street between "P" and "O" streets. They will continue to extend the pipe replacement north to "Q" Street in the coming weeks. Most of this work will be bored.

Setting the pile cap form (left) and concrete column footing (right). Click photo to enlarge.

February 13, 2008 - Harris Overpass Update

Recent Work

Drilled shaft construction has continued in the Haymarket area for the abutment near 9th Street and at pier locations in the Haymarket area. The Contractor has also continued to drive piling (long steel beams that are the foundations for columns outside of the Haymarket area) in the railyards. Also, concrete columns and a pier cap for the pier just east of 8th Street have been constructed in recent weeks. A pier cap is the concrete section that spans the concrete columns on top of the columns.

Anticipated Work

Removal of the west abutment has recently started and the Contractor will continue to demolish this west abutment. Piling operations will continue in the railyard area. Construction of the east abutment is expected to begin within the next several weeks.

Although not associated with Harris Overpass, Aquila will begin to relocate a gas main on the west side of 9th Street between "P" and "O" streets within the next week. Most of this work will be bored, but the section south of the Holiday Inn garage drive will be open cut which requires the closure of the sidewalk as well as the pedestrian crossing on the north leg of the 9th & "O" Street intersection.

Concrete forms for columns (left) and abutment excavation (right). Click photo to enlarge.

January 30, 2008 - Harris Overpass Update

Cramer & Associates and their sub-contractors are diligently working on the bridge reconstruction.

Recent Work
Bridge demolition is now complete. Construction of drilled shafts (foundations for columns) has continued in the Haymarket area as is nearly complete. Sanitary sewer pipe replacement in the BNSF railyard has been completed. The Contractor has been driving piling (long steel beams that are the foundations for columns outside of the Haymarket area) in the railyards.

Anticipated Work

Drilled shaft construction will continue for the east abutment area between 8th and 9th streets and columns (above ground supports) will continue to be constructed in the Haymarket area.

The Contractor will continue to drive piling in the railyards in the coming weeks.

Although not associated with Harris Overpass, Aquila will be relocating a gas main on the west side of 9th Street between "P" and "O" streets at the beginning of February. Most of this work will be bored as opposed to trenched.

7th & 'O' looking west (left) and looking east (right). Click photo to enlarge.

January 11, 2008 - Harris Overpass Update

Recent Work
Bridge demolition continued to move west into the railyards. The structure is nearly demolished. All girders have been removed and columns continue to be removed in the railyards. Construction of drilled shafts (foundations for columns) has continued in the Haymarket area. Minor sanitary sewer pipe replacement in the BNSF railyard has been started with one section complete.

Anticipated Work
Beginning January 9, one section of sanitary sewer pipe in the BNSF railyard will be replaced with stronger pipe material due the close proximity of the sewer to a future pier.

Drilled shaft construction will continue in the Haymarket area. Columns (above ground supports) have been constructed east of 8th Street. Other columns in the Haymarket area will be constructed in the coming weeks.

Excavation work will begin in the area of the east abutment (east of 8th Street) to provide a good foundation for MSE (Mechanically Stabilized Earth) wall construction. After soil improvements are made, MSE wall construction can begin. This excavation work will begin once the ground freezes in order to minimize mud tracking onto streets.

The Contractor will begin driving piles (long steel beams that are the foundations for columns outside of the Haymarket area) Monday, January 14.

Although not associated with Harris Overpass, Aquila will be relocating a gas main on the west side of 9th Street between "P" and "O" streets at the end of January. Most of this work will be bored as opposed to trenched.

December 21, 2007 - Harris Overpass Update

Cramer & Associates and their sub-contractors are diligently working on the bridge reconstruction.

Recent Work
Bridge demolition has continued to move west into the railyards. The structure is approximately 60% demolished and the Contractor will continue to work west with demolition efforts. Construction of drilled shafts (foundations for columns) has been completed for several shafts near 8th Street within the past few weeks.

Anticipated Work
Sanitary line reconstruction near the Amtrak platform on the north side of the bridge is currently underway. This line has a short segment of pipe being realigned in order to miss the footprint of a future pier location in the area. In the coming weeks two segments of sanitary line will be replaced with stronger pipe material in the railyard due to the vicinity of adjacent future piers.

Drilled shaft construction will continue in the Haymarket area. After these foundations are set the Contractor will begin constructing the columns above ground.

Excavation will begin in the area of the east abutment (east of 8th Street) to provide a good foundation for MSE wall construction. After soil improvements are made MSE wall construction can begin.

Please note that the Contractor intends to begin driving piles (long steel beams that are the foundations for columns outside of the Haymarket area) in the railyards as early as mid-January.

December 5, 2007 - Harris Overpass Update

Thanks for your interest in the Harris Overpass project. Cramer & Associates and their sub-contractors are diligently working on the bridge reconstruction.

Recent Work
Bridge demolition has continued in the Haymarket area. The bridge is substantially removed between 7th and 9th streets and the covered pedestrian walkway at 8th Street is in place and available for pedestrian usage.

Anticipated Work
Bridge demolition will continue to move west over the railroad tracks. The contractor will continue to saw the concrete deck (driving surface), lift the deck sections, dismantle the girders and remove the concrete columns.

Drilled shaft construction will begin near 8th Street this week. Drilled shafts are foundations for concrete columns in the Haymarket area that will support the bridge. They are machine-excavated circular holes in which a pre-made circular reinforcing steel cage and concrete is placed. Drilled shafts were chosen for the Haymarket area because its construction has less vibration and noise than driving piles (long steel beams) in the ground for support. It's interesting to note these shafts are 6' in diameter and about 50-60' deep. It takes one long day to construct one shaft.

Because of dangerous conditions in the work zone, we want to remind pedestrians to stay out of the construction site. Pedestrians should only use the covered walkways in the Haymarket area and use the pedestrian detour route if walking around the bridge. Large equipment, potentially unstable materials, and other hazards exist in the construction zone.

November 21, 2007 - Harris Overpass Update

Cramer & Associates and their sub-contractors are diligently working on the bridge reconstruction.

Recent Work
The bridge was closed to traffic as scheduled on November 12, 2007. The detour routes were monitored closely during the first week and after some adjustments traffic is flowing with only minor delays.

Pedestrian walkways were constructed adjacent to buildings in the Haymarket area to allow access to businesses during construction. Bridge demolition started in the Haymarket area first by stripping off the concrete barriers in the center and on the north and south sides of the bridge. The concrete deck (driving surface) has been removed in the eastern Haymarket area.

Anticipated Work
Bridge demolition will continue in the Haymarket area. The demolition sub-contractor is planning to work through the Thanksgiving weekend by concentrating demolition efforts in the Haymarket area. Girders (large beams) and concrete columns will be removed in the Haymarket area within the next week. Deck, girder, and column removals west of 7th Street will begin within the next week and will continue to the west.

Drilled shaft construction will begin near 8th Street within the next two weeks. Drilled shafts are foundations for concrete columns in the Haymarket area that will support the bridge. They are machine-excavated circular holes in which a pre-made circular reinforcing steel cage and concrete is placed. Drilled shafts were chosen for the Haymarket area because its construction has less vibration and noise than driving piles (long steel beams) in the ground for support.

Pedestrian access across "O" Street will be allowed once demolition in the area is complete and the risk to pedestrians is reduced. Pedestrians need to walk around the construction site via 9th Street until the covered walkway is in place. The risk is too great for injury when walking through the site unprotected -- even at nighttime. No trespassing signs have been posted.

November 7, 2007 - Harris Overpass Update

The construction contract has been awarded to Cramer & Associates of Des Moines, Iowa at a cost of approximately $18 million. The bridge will close November 12, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. and is scheduled to remain closed to through traffic and pedestrians until November 2008. The bridge will be demolished carefully in order to avoid negative impacts to adjacent historic buildings and railroad operations. The dismantling is expected to take two months. After the bridge is removed on the east end, new construction will begin as the demolition continues west. This method allows for the scheduled June 2008 reopening of 8th Street to through traffic and parking under the bridge. All dates assume no unforeseen situations or extreme weather during construction.

Recent Work
A water main along the frontage road between 8th and 9th streets on the north side of "O" Street has been recently relocated. It was moved slightly north to be out of conflict with new walls that will be erected. The frontage road will be open to traffic on Friday, November 9, but will be closed again on November 12th for reconstruction of the bridge.

Anticipated Work
Cramer & Associates and their sub-contractors have started mobilizing on the project site. Over the next few weeks pedestrian walkways will be constructed to access adjacent businesses and detour signage placed with the beginning of the bridge demolition. After items above the bridge deck are removed, demolition of the remaining structure is anticipated to start in the Haymarket area and move west.