| I-75/M-21 design/build/finance project a success: project delivered three years sooner with new process
Contact:
Anita Richardson, MDOT Office of Communications, 989-754-0878, ext. 227
Agency:
Transportation
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July 21, 2009 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced today that the I-75/M-21 (Corunna Road) bridge is now open to traffic. The project that began in 2008 included replacing the M-21 bridge over I-75, demolition of a former state police post building, and safety upgrades.
"All parties involved in this project from initial concept, through design and construction, have done an exceptional job," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "Even with some MDOT-directed changes, the M-21 bridge opened to traffic ahead of schedule and all project objectives under the new Design/Build/Finance concept were met or exceeded."
"The project was managed with fewer user delays for the public than anticipated, using the new Design/Build/Finance process that allowed the project to be completed now, instead of 2012, as it would have been using traditional funding methods. This project is one of only two in the state using this process," said Robert Ranck, Jr., MDOT Bay Region Engineer. "Also, using a detour during construction allowed crews to finish work much faster. Instead of work continuing into November, M-21 is open for business now."
The $7.3 million project was funded under a special Design/Build/Finance category, meaning that the contractor bid the project with limited design documents, hired the engineering consultant to finish the plans, and built it as the project progressed. This allowed the project to go from concept to bid letting in only four months. Under the traditional process, it would have taken well over a year to design the bridge before the project could be put out to bid.
Contractor proposals for the project underwent a two-step "best value" selection process. This process required MDOT, when reviewing contractor proposals, to consider the bid (cost), user mobility plan, proposed progress schedule, quality, innovation, safety, communications and aesthetics plans. The funding criteria also specified that the contractor would fund the project with MDOT repaying the contractor in yearly installments through 2012, the year originally planned for construction. The contractor also assumed the role of project designer.
Dan's Excavating, Inc., of Shelby Township, was the prime contractor on the project, selecting URS Corp. as its designer.
To facilitate the construction of future pedestrian and biking trails, a 10-foot non-motorized path with fencing was built on the south side of the bridge. A right-turn ramp auxiliary lane also was constructed, creating an extra lane in the westbound direction on the bridge's north side, allowing motorists access to I-75 ramps. In addition, MDOT has plans to build a new carpool lot at a later date on the site of the former state police post building.
Restoration of the northeast area of M-21, including tree planting and landscaping, are all that remain along with minor work on I-75. This work is expected to wrap up in August, with the completion of landscaping anticipated this October. Shoulder and lane closures may be in effect during non-peak hours.
For up-to-date information on this project, go to the list of statewide lane closures at: www.michigan.gov/drive.
MDOT: Working to improve our state roads and bridges.
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