As motorists zip down the 1-15, Sundt crews continue to execute highly skilled and precise work in Pocatello, Idaho. The ITD I-15/I-86 System Interchange, known as the “Flying Y,” was originally built in the mid-1960s, but with increased through traffic causing more congestion, the city is ready for an upgrade. Once complete in 2025, the Sundt-Cannon JV project will improve operations, safety and mobility between I-15 and I-86 and will prepare the city for the future expansion of I-15.
The reconstruction began in 2022 and includes the construction of eight new bridges. Six of the eight bridges are within the I-15 and I-86 interchange, and two will be at I-15 and Chubbuck Road. The project includes one million cubic yards of earthwork excavation, new collector-distributor lanes and 10 retaining walls.
Keep reading to see highlights from the project’s summer progress.
A Tight Squeeze
The joint venture has an integrated team who flawlessly executed the recent placement of 30-foot tall concrete panels. Senior project manager Thiago Bezerra explained, “Normally, we set the huge concrete panels with a crane before the bridge is built, but in this instance, we had to build the bridge first and set the panels underneath.”
Although this may sound simple, maneuvering 25,000-pound concrete slabs with only three inches between the excavator and the bottom of the girders made for a tight squeeze. “Our team made this look easy, and all credit goes to our supervisors and craft employees for their extensive planning.”
The 2024 paving season is on!
Paving crews have begun placing asphalt on several of the new roadways that will make up the I-15 and I-86 system interchange. In July 2024 alone, our crews placed over 28,000 tons of asphalt, with more to come in the following months.
New Connections
With the two new I-15 bridges completed over Chubbuck Road, our team is working hard to open this major connector road to the local traveling public—a goal that we hope to accomplish by the end of 2024, ahead of schedule.
A Heavy Lift
Two cranes placing steel girders on the new I-15 southbound bridge. The heavy lift required a 350-ton and 240-ton crane. Up next, the team will install metal deck sheeting.
Self-Perform Concrete in Action
On top of the I-15 southbound bridge, the metal deck sheeting placed between these 344-foot-long girders is used in lieu of traditional plywood forms. Crews will begin installation of stainless-steel rebar, and then concrete will be poured on the bridge deck. Once cured, the traveling public will be able to drive over this brand new bridge.
The ITD I-15/I-86 System Interchange is slated to open fall 2025. Click here for more information about our work in the intermountain region.