Iowa City, IA
The University of Iowa Westlawn Tunnel Replacement, Carver Biomedical Research Building Site Utilities and Newton Road Modifications were included into one bid package. The package included the reconstruction of an existing pedestrian tunnel, the extension of utilities to a new building site and associated paving work to lower Newton Road by three feet.
Shive-Hattery’s responsibilities included preliminary design of utility relocations, coordination of utility, tunnel, retaining wall and dumpster enclosure work, preparation of construction documents for 600 feet of roadway paving and associated sidewalks and grading.
The project included significant phasing so that two lanes of traffic could be maintained at all times - not an easy task considering the grade of the roadway was being lowered by three feet. However, keeping the roadway open at all times was critical. There are over 8,000 vehicles per day that travel through this area. Plus, as the only roadway serving the Medical Campus, Cambus, the City of Iowa City and the City of Coralville bus services all have routes through the area.
The new tunnel was designed to be a "100 Year Tunnel." Particular care was exercised during design and construction to make sure that the tunnel was properly reinforced with epoxy coated rebar and that the tunnel was carefully waterproofed. These steps will help to avoid moisture intrusion - a constant problem with the old tunnel. Other improved features include a subdrain system and ventilation system.
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tags: college, university, utilities