PRESS RELEASE--February 23, 2004
Longview, Washington - The Port of Longview was presented with the 2003 Award of Excellence for its Fibre Way Overpass project at the January 13, 2004 regular Commission meeting. Presenting the award was Bill Pierce, Local Programs Engineer for the Southwest Region offices of the Washington State Department of Transportation. He presented the award on behalf of the Washington State Department of Transportation Highways and Local Programs, and the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.
Criteria for the award included safety, construction excellence, innovative design, cost effectiveness, environmental compatibility, enhancement of regional transportation systems, public satisfaction and timeliness in completing the project.
"The Port’s completion of the Fibre Way Overpass marks a milestone in the development of the Industrial Rail Corridor. It is an important piece of infrastructure for future tenants at the Industrial Park," said Dan Buell, President, Port of Longview Commission.
The Fibre Way Overpass is the first phase of the Port’s project to construct an Industrial Rail Corridor. The corridor consists of 1.5 miles of industrial rail line extending from the BNSF and UP main lines into the Port’s industrial areas. The overpass was necessary in order to avoid an at-grade crossing on a heavily traveled roadway which intersected the rail corridor.
Mr. Pierce explained how the project met all of the award criteria:
SAFETY - The overpass and rail corridor increases rail safety by providing an alternate route for trains to enter port areas. The route by-passes existing at-grade rail crossings which encounter congestion during peak hours.
CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE - General contractor Ostrander Rock and Construction of Longview, Washington took extreme pride in constructing the overpass. They worked closely with Five Rivers Construction, a local bridge construction firm. Both firms were very professional and extremely quality conscious. The project had an excellent safety record. They also performed an admirable cleanup effort.
"This project was one of the best examples of partnering we’ve experienced. Truly, a team effort from start to finish, and a project with which we are proud to be associated," said Skip Portner, President, Ostrander Rock and Construction Company, Inc.
"We are pleased to have been a part of this unique project," said George Laine, Vice President, Five Rivers Construction, Inc.
INNOVATIVE DESIGN - Constructing the overpass required a bridge approach fill that would not cause any settlement, due to the proximity of an adjacent landowner and existing high-pressure gas mains running the length of the project. The designer, HNTB of Bellevue, Washington, hired sub-consultant Jacobs Civil, who designed the bridge approach using an innovative, lightweight fill material called Geofoam, a type of styrofoam. To date, there has been no settlement in the bridge approach fill. It is the first time that Geofoam fill has been successfully used in Cowlitz County.
"This project had a variety of challenges, including poor soil foundation conditions. However, with the assistance of everyone involved, we were able to keep the project moving forward," said Paul DePalma, Engineer, Jacobs Civil.
COST EFFECTIVENESS - The Geofoam fill provided functionality and maintainability, as well as economy, when compared to the cost of addressing settlement issues to the adjacent landowner and relocating the gas mains.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPATIBILITY - The overpass has had no effect on endangered species. The contractor performed all work in compliance with environmental regulations. No spills or erosion occurred.
ENHANCEMENT OF REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS - Rail travel time between the BNSF/UP mainlines and the Port’s industrial areas will be shortened by four to seven minutes. Potential for train/car conflicts and congestion will be reduced. Emergency services will have better access to Port facilities, Longview Fibre Company and other industrial properties.
PUBLIC SATISFACTION/ACCEPTANCE - Businesses located adjacent to and beyond the overpass praised it both during and after the construction process. Traffic was efficiently detoured through the construction site while safety was maintained for both vehicles and construction crews. All of the partners in the project have been satisfied with the work accomplished by the Port.
TIMELINESS IN COMPLETING THE PROJECT - Construction of the overpass went swiftly considering project proponents had to consider four federal agencies, six state agencies, two local agencies and the BNSF and UP railroads just to reach the construction stage. The project went from inception in 1995 to completion in 2001. The contractor completed the construction portion in just 214 working days.
Cost of constructing the overpass was $6.9 million. Funding was provided by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) legislation, state Transportation Improvement Board funds, state Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB) funds, Cowlitz County and the Port of Longview.
"As a representative of the Southwest Regional office of the Washington State Department of Transportation, I am honored to present this award to the Port of Longview," said Mr. Pierce.
For further information regarding information contained in this press release contact Communications/Public Affairs, 360-425-3305. |
