I-94 Modernization: Advanced Bridges Phase I: Construction Engineering & Inspection - Small Business Program
Originally built in the mid-1900s, the I-94 freeway underwent significant reconstruction starting in 2006, spanning a 6.7-mile segment from the I-94/I-96 interchange to east of Conner Avenue. The project included rebuilding 67 bridges and six railroad overpasses, adding new interchanges at I-94/M-10 (The Lodge) and I-94/I-75, eliminating left lane entrance and exit ramps, and establishing a continuous I-94 service drive from Conner Ave. to Trumbull Ave. Value Engineering (VE) played a pivotal role in providing construction engineering assistance services for the advanced bridges project at Chene St. and Gratiot Ave. within Detroit.
The Chene St. and Gratiot Ave. bridges are vital transportation links over I-94, facilitating movement between Detroit's neighborhoods and commercial areas. These bridges were integral parts of the broader freeway reconstruction aimed at improving traffic flow, safety, and infrastructure durability.
Scope: VE participated in a collocated, collaborative team, providing key staff to the I-94 Project Office and field sites for Construction Engineering: Assistance services. The scope included reconstruction of the Chene St. and Gratiot Ave. bridges as part of the I-94 Modernization Project.
Chene Street Bridge over I-94: VE's scope encompassed removal and replacement of the existing Chene St. bridge over I-94, including site demolition, grading, excavation, bridge foundation, substructure and superstructure construction, roadway approaches, utility relocation, traffic and safety improvements, electrical work, and maintenance of traffic during construction.
Gratiot Avenue Bridge over I-94: Similarly, VE managed the removal and replacement of the existing Gratiot Ave. bridge over I-94, involving site demolition, grading, excavation, bridge foundation, substructure and superstructure construction, roadway approaches, utility relocation, traffic and safety improvements, electrical work, and maintenance of traffic during construction.
VE's responsibilities included ensuring construction engineering compliance with project specifications, coordinating site activities, and contributing to the overall success of the bridge reconstruction efforts.