US-131 Dynamic Hard Shoulder Running

The US-131 Dynamic Hard Shoulder Running project is a significant initiative aimed at improving roadway efficiency from I-96 to Post Drive, encompassing ITS upgrades, bridge rehabilitation and widening, pavement markings, and signing. The project is divided into two distinct phases:

Phase 1: Environmental Studies and Preliminary Engineering (EPE), Design Survey, Development of Plans to 30% Completion Value Engineering (VE) successfully completed services for Phase 1 of the project, focusing on developing comprehensive MOT (Maintenance of Traffic) concepts, analyzing crash investigation sites, and establishing a Mentor-Protégé Plan. VE's accomplishments included active participation in training programs aimed at enhancing expertise in relevant areas, such as MicroStation ORD, base plans workshops, Bentley Learn trainings, work planning sessions, document control, PQS/specs/estimates, and design standards for Dynamic Hard Shoulder Running.

For Phase 1, VE's scope of work included:
  • MOT Concepts: Development of traffic restrictions, staging descriptions, typical cross-sections, conceptual detour routes, and quality control measures for sections related to West River Drive.
  • Crash Investigation Sites: Identification and analysis of sites requiring special attention for safety improvements.
  • Mentor-Protégé Plan: Establishment and implementation of a comprehensive plan to foster knowledge transfer and development within the project team.

Phase 2: Final Design
Phase 2 tasks, to be contracted in 2025, encompass essential components such as pavement markings design and plan production, roadway enhancements including crash investigation sites and West River Dr. bridge approach work, and MOT (Maintenance of Traffic) staging plans.

  • Pavement Markings: Design and plan production to ensure clear and effective road markings throughout the project area.
  • Roadway Enhancements: Addressing crash investigation sites to enhance safety measures and Implementing improvements to West River Dr bridge approaches as part of broader infrastructure upgrades.
  • MOT – Staging Plans: Developing detailed staging plans to manage traffic flow and minimize disruptions during construction activities.

VE's approach and comprehensive involvement during Phase 1 were critical in laying the groundwork for successful implementation of the US-131 Dynamic Hard Shoulder Running initiative.