ODOT Innerbelt Update

Since our initial project introduction, work on the new Innerbelt I‐90 Westbound Bridge has continued to progress. The mild winter has allowed Independence Excavating (IX) to continue critical work activities in preparation for a very busy 2012 season.

At the conclusion of 2011, IX was able to complete the majority of the new E. 9th St. roadway connector between Broadway Ave. and Canal Rd. Besides the mass excavation of over 100,000 cubic yards to establish the new connector grade, IX completed 90% of the storm and waterline work along with the associated roadway underdrains and 304 aggregate subbase. We also finished the first of many mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls to be constructed on the project. Currently the road is scheduled to open to traffic in April of this year.

Work on the west side of the project continued last fall with the remaining building demolition on the west side, constructing the embankment for the new I‐90 WB to the Abbey Ave./W. 14th St. off‐ramp in Tremont, and the completion of an MSE wall near Kenilworth Ave. This all took place during the most rainfall in Cleveland’s history.

In February of this year, IX tackled another challenging component of the project with the mass excavation and off‐site hauling of 150,000 cubic yards in the west bank slope on the former Cold Storage building site. ODOT’s plan to correct the slope called for the area to be excavated in stages and adhered to waiting periods before more material could be removed. The coordination of building stabilized haul roads, truck routes, disposal sites, and managing the wet silty material required the constant attention and dedication of our best field personnel and management. To date, there is approximately 40,000 cubic yards remaining to complete this work.

Much work remains to be completed in 2012 for this signature bridge project. We look forward to a productive and dry construction season.