110812 Constructability Review

Description

June 11, 2026 TO: Mr. Rex Vines, P.E. – Chief Engineer – Operations gag Ms. Jessie X. Jones, P.E. – Chief Engineer – Preconstruction THROUGH: Mr. Chad Adams, P.E. – Assistant Chief Engineer – Construction FROM: Mr. David B. Henning, P.E. – State Construction Engineer SUBJECT: Constructability Review Summary, Job No. 110812 Hwy. 49 Mississippi River Bridge Rehab. (S) Route 49, Section 11 Phillips County A Constructability Review meeting was held for the subject project on November 20, 2025, with representatives from the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), Michael Baker International (MBI), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Arkansas Highway Police (AHP), Fish and Wildlife Services, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and representatives of three construction industry firms with extensive bridge experience and knowledge. Fifty-five (55) individuals were present either in person or virtually. The purpose of the review was to share the project background, plans, and specifications with ARDOT, MDOT, and the bridge rehabilitation construction industry to utilize the knowledge and experience of the construction industry to develop a constructible and biddable plan package. The 90% Design Plans and Special Provisions were reviewed as part of the meeting. SPECIFIC QUESTIONS DISCUSSED: 1) Experience with pin-and-hanger and fracture-critical structures. 2) Approaches for floor beam repair or replacement. 3) Use of barges or marine equipment in navigation channels. 4) Shoring and temporary support systems. 5) Accommodation of agricultural equipment and heavy traffic. 6) Feasibility of temporary structures or maintenance of traffic (MOT) alternatives. 7) Lane-closure timeframes and seasonal restrictions. 8) Risks associated with rehabilitation work. 9) Opportunities to reduce construction duration. Mr. Rex Vines, P.E. Ms. Jessie X. Jones, P.E. June 11, 2026 Page 2 of 3 SUMMARY OF ITEMS DISCUSSED: A. Traffic Control, Phasing, and MOT Challenges • Seasonal agricultural peaks during planting (March 15–May 15) and harvest (August 15–November 15) significantly affect lane availability and queueing. • Oversized farm equipment and heavy crop-hauling trucks frequently require escorted crossings, sometimes daily. • Contractors emphasized that oversized agricultural loads create major impacts on construction phasing, lane-closure durations, and crew productivity.