FHWA 03-12
Contact: Kelly Hanahan
Tel: 202-366-0660

Advanced methods reduce construction time and traffic congestion

MESQUITE, Nev. - Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez today joined officials from the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) as they put a new bridge in place on the I-15 West Mesquite Interchange with new technologies that allowed for faster completion of the project, resulting in less congestion for travelers. Officials from more than 24 state departments of transportation viewed the demonstration to learn how the advancements could benefit their states.

"The people of Nevada couldn't wait for this new bridge, and using innovative technologies allowed us to get it repaired and open to traffic quickly," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. "Projects like these create jobs, keep people and goods moving and help grow the economy. That is exactly why President Obama believes investing in transportation infrastructure is so critical."

By using an innovative method known as accelerated bridge construction, workers used prefabricated elements to quickly assemble the bridge and slide it into place during off-peak travel times to minimize the time drivers would face congestion as a result of the construction.

In completing this project without restricting traffic on I-15, impact to freight, which accounts for 25 percent of the road users on this corridor, was minimized. The $21 million project will improve safety, travel and access by reconstructing the existing I-15 West Mesquite exit.

"By highlighting key innovations, we're helping keep traffic moving as smoothly as possible, which lets people spend less time in their cars and more time doing things they enjoy," said Administrator Mendez.

Through its Highways for LIFE program, the Federal Highway Administration and NDOT partnered to host the Mesquite demonstration in order to share best practices with transportation representatives from more than 24 states across the country.

The FHWA Highways for LIFE program works with the highway industry to promote innovations that improve safety during and after construction, reduce congestion caused by construction and improve the quality of the highway infrastructure. The program is especially focused on implementing technologies more quickly to help states deliver long-lasting infrastructure with minimized impact to the traveling public. For more information, visit: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hfl/.

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