From Deseret News archives:
New I-80 bridges are all in place
UDOT crews finish project a week ahead of schedule
Crew members on-site Wednesday were relieved to see the project nearing completion, but their work on the interstate is far from complete, said John Montoya, site project manager. Workers have begun laying pavement along the five lanes added to the interstate and will soon be constructing noise walls.
"We're not home free yet we're not even to the midpoint yet, which is the traffic shift onto the new road," Montoya said. "This was the biggest challenge that we've completed, but there is a lot left to build."
After the lane shift, which is expected in late fall, crews will begin replacing bridges along the eastbound section of the interstate, using conventional bridge-building techniques.
In the past, the Utah Department of Transportation has used rapid bridge-building techniques at 4500 South, but crews there drove the structure in from the side and lifted it into place. For this newly completed project, crews launched the bridges from the interstate and lowered them into place. It was a first in the nation and a learning experience, Montoya said.
"When you move seven bridges you have an opportunity to learn from each one and apply those lessons to each proceeding placement," Montoya said.
Wayne Bowden, project manager for Ralph Wadsworth Construction, said that the rapid bridge project was a test to see if this kind of building technique could be done. He believes the crews passed with flying colors. Bowden said he expects to see other projects like this in the state and nation.
"I'd just like to acknowledge how hard everyone has worked to get us to this point," Montoya said. "We've had 50 to 60 guys working their guts out every day."
The days were long and hot, crew members said Wednesday. Dennis Theis, a superintendent with Mammot, a Dutch company that provided equipment for the move, said that on average he logged about 95 hours a week, but he added, "The overtime is good for the mortgage."
Recent comments
My company has done a little work with Wadsworth in the past. We try...
Structural Engineer replies | Aug. 1, 2008 at 8:28 a.m.
Are you sure Mr. "Structural Engineer" isn't actually the PR guy. If...
Who Are the Crews | July 31, 2008 at 11:33 p.m.
Another reason is the bridge farm is on the wrong side of the freeway...
to why not eastbound | July 31, 2008 at 11:20 p.m.
- Sports on the air 1:21 a.m.
- 2009 MLS Cup recap 12:45 a.m.
- MLS Cup winners, MVPs 12:41 a.m.
- Real Salt Lake: Game at a glance 12:36 a.m.
- Paper circulation worse than it looks 12:28 a.m.
- RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks 12:22 a.m.
- Editorial: Cancer screening 12:15 a.m.
- Afterthoughts 12:15 a.m.
- Treat teachers with respect, trust 12:15 a.m.
- 'Reform' helps old, hurts young 12:15 a.m.
- BYU records with win
- Jazz outlast Pistons in overtime
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
- Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
- Cougars put the fun back in football
- Former BYU professor remembered
- Kirilenko heating up for the Jazz
- Police link alcohol to murder
- Wendover airfield's legacy lost?
- Florida No. 1, TCU 4 in AP Top 25
- Buttars wants to limit gay rights laws
202 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
191 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
130 - BYU records with win
129 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
125 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
100 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
98 - Utes knock off rival Aggies
93
A little after midnight Wednesday morning, about 21 hours ago as I write...
There's a lot of reason to leave your plastic home as you shop:
That game was amazing! I think this will really help the sport grow in Utah....
Congrats on a great win. Utah as a whole should be proud not just of a major...
Congrats Real Salt Lake! but, they aren't the first major sports team to...
I told ALL of you how much i liked NED Pure irony his contributions vs x...
this is to NevadaUTE @ 10:25!!! I love soccer, I love Real and it brought a...
wow!!! amazing. UTAH JAZZ DO SOMETHING!!!
So much fear and anger from Beck lovers. You all lost the last election, we...
This is the most emotion I have had watching a sporting event since my...
Nicky Rimando is my hero! I love that guy. He has had his detractors, but...
Two stars means nothing! We played as a team and it showed! I'm still in...


