SR-543, I-5 to International Boundary Widening & Border Crossing Improvements

Project Summary

The SR 543 Project reconstructed the truck crossing lanes and the US-Canadian Border in Blaine, Washington. Work included construction of two bridges, cast-in-place concrete retaining walls, noise walls and new concrete roadways.  The project was granted substantial completion 176 working days ahead of the allowed contract time.  

On this project, our team used the "Partnering Method” with the owner, which contributed to the success of the project, and as a result both WSDOT and IMCO make an effort to implement Partnering on all projects.  IMCO established a great working relationship with Canadian and United States Border officials and was able to perform the work effectively and timely to all parties’ satisfaction. IMCO crews installed concrete drilled shafts during the winter; which posed a huge erosion and sediment control concern. In working closely with WSDOT and DOE, IMCO maintained permit compliance.

A Cost Reduction Incentive Proposal (CRIP) was submitted by IMCO, eliminating a detour phase of the project.  This turned out to be a huge time-savings for the project and a $400,000 cost savings for the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Construction included 1,000 drilled shafts totaling appoximately 38,000 lineal feet; 12,442 square feet of 15-foot tall noise wall, almost 22,000 lineal feet of underground utilities and storm drain, and 220,000 cubic yards of export.

Details

Location

Blaine, WA

Owner

Washington State Department of Transportation

Contract Amount

$33.3 Million

Engineer

Washington State Department of Transportation

Duration

May 2006 - May 2009

Project Highlights

For this project, IMCO received the 2009 AGC of Washington - Build Washington Award for Construction Excellence - Highway & Transportation. IMCO crews worked a total of 127,553 man-hours on this project with no lost time accidents.