Michael Baker provided structure, roadway and construction alternative analysis for a new direct connection exit ramp from northbound Interstate 15 to Monroe Street in Sandy City. The new structure was constructed to provide direct access from northbound I-15 under 10600 South (S.R. 151) to Monroe Street, to reduce congestion along 10600 South with the added value of improving access to Sandy City’s Town Center on Monroe Street.
The Michael Baker engineering team improved the concept designs by reducing a planned 300-foot underpass structure with utility impacts, water table risks, grade tie-in problems, and a bridge deck that required rehabilitation, to a 183-foot long, three-sided box underpass structure.
To minimize impacts, the Michael Baker team developed and evaluated accelerated bridge construction (ABC) alternatives. After discussions with stakeholders, the consensus was that a short duration, full closure of the interchange was preferred over nine months of traditional phased construction with lane reductions and congestion. This feedback, along with the ABC alternatives developed with the three-sided box, led the team to use a structure lateral slide solution, limiting closure of the 10600 South interchange to just 16 days.
To date, the I-15 Northbound/10600 South Interchange Improvement project has received the following recognition:
- 2018 Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Innovation Award