Big springs Nebraska to the North Platte river

The project encompassed the interchange of I-76 and I-80 just north of the Colorado border in Nebraska. It includes approximately four miles of the beginning of I-76 to the Colorado border and 6 miles of I-80 from Big Springs, Nebraska to the North Platte River.

The project was very complex with three major phases, divided into seven stages, and eight substages. IHC Scott was able to work many of the phases concurrently due to the great owner relationship that was developed. It required an extensive environmental and safety commitment with numerous permits and policies i.e. SWPPP, USACE section 404, NDEQ 401, (USACE non-jurisdictional) State Title117, floodplain permit, Historical Clearance, Federal Endangered Species Act clearance, State Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act clearance, National Environmental Policy Act compliance, NDPES construction stormwater permit, Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act compliance to name a few!

One new safety item implemented is that a “Smart Work Zone System” traffic control specification was in place that consists of providing, installing, relocating, operating, maintaining, and removing a portable, automated, and self-powered Portable Queue Detection System. This system calculates and displays information on portable Dynamic message signs (PDMS) regarding slow and stopped traffic in work zones that were instrumental during the peak traffic volume times in order to prevent accidents.

The quantities of work on the project were large and encompassed 1.35 million yards of earthwork, 390,000 SY of PCCP ranging from 6” to 14” thick, removal of two major structures on I-80 over I-76, complete two new structures in different alignment to replace the two that were removed (all while not hindering any traffic flow) and one structure was the only integral girder bridge in Nebraska. The project was asked to team up with the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and install a series of sensors that will monitor and report data to further evaluate the design of the structure. There was 8.5 miles of electrical and 8 miles of fiber optic cable, over 400,000 lbs. of epoxy coated steel in the structures and box culverts, and 3000 LF of pipe ranging from 18” to 42” and that only scratches the surface of the 308 pay items!

The PCCP paving on the project consisted of 40.67’ wide double crown and more than 10 transitions in and out of superelevation segments and the ride quality achieved was among the best in the industry, if not “THE BEST” and IHC Scott set internal smoothness records on five-consecutive days!

The entire West Area team was on the project at one time or another and all crews performed amazingly! Tremendous teamwork and coordination occurred and IHC SCOTT should be very proud of this project and the great relationship that was established with the owner! As you will see in the photos this project changed the complexion of this area and the team has set the bar high! Thanks to all who were involved.

This project will finish in 2021, at least 159 days ahead of the June 8th 2022 deadline.