Out with the Old, In with the New...The Block Northway

In July of 2015, Independence Excavating, Inc. executed the civil work package at The Block Northway (formerly known as The Northway Mall), located north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania along McKnight Road.  The Block Northway is a 500,000 square foot redevelopment of the former Northway Mall that will introduce new retail shops and new restaurants to the area by the fourth quarter of 2016.

The civil work package was awarded to Independence Excavating, Inc. and included, but was not limited to:  demolition of existing asphalt, concrete, and utilities; installation of four underground storm water detention/infiltration systems totaling a capacity of approximately 2,500 CY, associated storm water pipe, and appurtenances; installation of sanitary sewer pipe and appurtenances; Installation of both domestic water and fire support systems; earthwork and grading of the site; hardscape and landscape; concrete curb, asphalt pavement, and stripping.  The overall project was divided up into two major phases, Phase I and Phase II.  Collaboration between Independence Excavating, Inc., the Owner and multiple trades working on-site was essential to overcome the many obstacles, in order to achieve several aggressive major milestone dates and to ensure the success of the project. 

In addition to the base contract mentioned above, Independence Excavating, Inc. established good working relationships with other companies on-site and was contracted by both Rycon Construction (Prime contractor at The Block Northway for redevelopment of existing and new structures) and Definis Mechanical (Mechanical contractor at The Block Northway) to perform the following: excavate/backfill for building foundations and slabs on grade; excavate/backfill exterior and interior sanitary sewer, storm water, gas, etc.; installation of storm water pipe and appurtenances.

The Block Northway project has also led to the development of several positive safety practices that have been implemented at The Block Northway and other sites in Pennsylvania.  Some of these practices include a site specific safety orientation map of the project site, with key personnel information and hazards identified, as well as hard hat stickers—specific to the project—to ensure that workers have been properly orientated with the site and the hazards associated with the work. 

Overall, the project is approximately 67% complete, and is currently expected to be complete on or before June 1, 2016.