US-131 DB Reconstruction

The US-131 DB Reconstruction project spans approximately 900 feet south of 100th Street to 76th Street, transforming the existing four-lane divided freeway into a barrier-separated four-lane configuration. This initiative, located in Byron Center and Cutlerville, Kent County, includes the addition of auxiliary lanes between 76th Street and 84th Street, drainage improvements, and enhancements to operational and safety features.
 Value Engineering (VE) plays a crucial role in utility coordination, ensuring effective management of existing utilities and their relocation as necessary for the project.

Project Overview
The project involves reconstructing a segment of US-131, focusing on:
  • Conversion to a barrier-separated four-lane freeway.
  • Addition of auxiliary lanes between 76th Street and 84th Street.
  • Implementation of drainage improvements.
  • Enhancement of operational and safety features.

VE's responsibilities include coordinating with utility companies to:
  • Locate existing utilities and coordinate their relocation based on proposals.
  • Provide utility reporting, design review, and attendance at stakeholder meetings.
  • Develop deliverables such as a utility tracking report, meeting minutes, utility CADD base file, permits for field relocations, and a Utility Status Report.

Utility Coordination Scope of Work
VE's utility coordination services include:
  • Contacting utility companies to gather accurate information.
  • Updating utility base files.
  • Developing and submitting Utility Tracking Reports (UTR).
  • Conducting Utility Coordination Meetings and distributing minutes.
  • Reviewing utility designs and ensuring compliance with project requirements.
  • Verifying utility contact information on plans and reviewing design plans prior to submittals.
  • Assisting with utility relocation reimbursement requests and permit approvals.
  • Preparing final Utilities Status Reports and coordinating necessary bid notices.

Design – Traffic: Pavement Markings
Scope of Work for permanent pavement marking design includes:
  • Developing design details and quantities.
  • Participating in project coordination and milestone review meetings.
  • Ensuring compliance with standards and guidelines for pavement markings.
  • Following project-specific standards and quality assurance protocols for deliverables.