New Mexico Department of Transportation
Project Location: Bernalillo County, NM
Contract Total Value: $21,653,150.00
This reconstruction project involved the widening and improvements of I-40 through Albuquerque. The limits of the project, both eastbound and westbound, were I-40 from just east of the San Mateo Boulevard interchange to just west of the Boulevard interchange. Accommodating interstate traffic was a challenge with weekday traffic flows that exceeded 155,000 vehicles per day through the construction zone. A large flood channel exists between the eastbound and westbound lanes which eliminated the ability to shift traffic into oncoming lanes.
A large quantity of retaining walls and sound walls were constructed on the project. AUI set up its own certified precast yard to supply the 83,000 SF of precast walls. The walls required drilled shafts for foundations and pilasters to support and connect the walls. Over 8,200 VF of drilling was required for the 120 drilled shafts, 48” in diameter and 22’ deep. Precast pilasters were bolted on each of the drilled shafts for sound walls to support the wall panels above the surface. Over 500 wall panels were placed, typically in 10’ sections.
Retaining walls were built for support of the properties involved. The foundations for the retaining walls consisted of 36”drilled caissons with a 14” x 89# steel H-pile placed (not driven) inside to enhance the integrity of the wall support system. AUI installed approximately 30,000 SF of sheet piling to facilitate this work.
The paving operations consisted of 3600 SY or 1350 CY of Portland-Cement Concrete Pavement and 137,500 SY or 68,000 tons of plant mix bituminous pavement. Over 18,500 LF of 42” cast-in-place concrete barrier wall was constructed. Drainage improvements were included in the project consisting of 5,200 LF of 24”and 36” storm drainage pipe, and 35 drop-inlet structures.