The Phoenix office of Skanska is close to completion on improvements to SR87 Slate Creek Curve in Sunflower, Ariz. A key focus of the project has been to improve the safety of the roadway, an area vulnerable to rock fall from the surrounding slopes.
The $6.1 million roadway project for the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) includes roadway realignment, slope stabilization and truck escape ramp installation.
In addition to the excavation of existing rock slopes to accommodate the new roadway curve alignment, the work includes installation of earth anchors and mesh system to stabilize the new slope cut. Production and placement of arrestor bed aggregate and naturally rounded rock will help provide the speed reduction element in the truck escape ramp.
“Skanska has been very effective in communicating with the surrounding area regarding the construction occurring on SR87,” said Tom Goodman, P.E., resident engineer for ADOT. “We greatly appreciate their proactive approach in helping to manage people’s expectations.”
“This project will improve roadway safety and conditions for all drivers using SR87,” said Skanska’s Phoenix Civil Construction Division Manager Chris Halpin. “We are grateful to our team and partners for helping us work through the challenges of excavating 120-foot rock slopes and preventing future rock fall.”
In July 2013, Skanska, which is active in both the building and civil construction markets, announced it had moved its building operations to 4742 North 24th Street in Phoenix, just south of Camelback Road. Skanska’s civil construction unit, formerly located in Peoria, Ariz., has co-located with the building group at the 24th Street location.
