Raab Road Pavement Reconstruction

Stark partnered with IDOT on the approximately 2.1 million dollar renovation. IDOT conducted a study and determined that the average daily traffic on Raab road was at 1,700 in 2015. However, the estimated average daily traffic was projected to increase to 8,240 by year 2036. This increase due to traffic to and from Normal Community High School, Mercy Creek Church, and other new residential development in the area made it crucial to develop this road for the betterment of the community and its economic growth and development. The work consisted of constructing two lanes of Portland cement concrete pavement, combination curb and gutter, driveways, sidewalks, precast box culvert, storm sewers, manholes, inlets, culverts, and subgrade improvements. The project extends from the east entrance of Normal Community High School to west of Towanda Barnes Road. Stark started the storm sewer installation at the Raab Road project during the Normal Community High School spring break. This allowed us to get a head start while school was closed. Work resumed on this project on May 16th with the road being closed for construction on May 24th. Work completed to date includes; water main casing, precast box culverts, storm sewer installation, manholes, inlets, excavation, subgrade improvements and undercuts, curb and gutter, entrances and approach pours. Work remaining includes raised reflectors, final grading, seeding and mulching. This project required in-depth coordination of not just the road closure but also excavation near power poles, gas line relocation, removal and relocation of mail boxes, and fiber optics relocation. Stark evaluated work that could be completed prior to the road closure, such as steel casing pipe, potholes and detour sign installation.

There was not a single opportunity missed to perform work onsite in order to maintain a tight schedule. Unfortunately, early into the project, it was discovered that the sandy loam material was not suitable for lime modification. In addition, the existing ground was close to the water table which required installation of additional drainage. The final treatment plan consisted of: adding 3000 LF of under-drains, raising the road 13″ in a 1300 LF section, installing 6″ of RR1, a layer of TX190 geogrid, 11″ of RR1, a layer of TX160 geogrid, and then capping with 14″ of CA6 pug. The raising of the road meant that this job went from an export job to an import job, requiring 1400 CY of topsoil. This unforeseen remediation work significantly increased the project scope of work. Expertise in estimating and field operations allowed Stark to determine and deliver the most efficient and cost effective plan. Once we were compete with the subgrade remediation, we were able to move forward aggressively with the subsequent work. The teams proactive approach helped minimize disruptions. In spite of an extremely difficult schedule and unforeseen complications, the success of this project was made possible by the collaboration, hard work and outstanding effort of each team member. The revised road opening date is scheduled for November 9th with the seeding and final punch list items to be completed by May 20, 2017. Superintendents: Josh Pistorius, Tony Baker, Greg Gilmore, Kevin Pribble, Josh Martin (Estimator) and Parthiv Brahmbhatt (Project Manager)