Project funding came from the UT FLAP program. Uintah County along with the Ashley National Forest Service applied for the Federal Lands Access Program through Uintah Transportation Special Service District. The grant was awarded at a 10% match from UTSSD. Burdick Materials administered this contract as prime contractor. The noteworthy earth-moving aspect of this project deserves recognition. Through extensive excavation, exhaustive hydraulic hammering and skillful slope rounding, Burdick’s team significantly improved vertical and horizontal alignments of the road, as well as substantial improvement of the aesthetic curb appeal. These efforts resulted in a much safer and more enjoyable driving experience. The creation of 5.6% superelevated curves traversing up to 12% grades are a testament to the expertise of project leadership and the dedicated work of the crews. Furthermore, an improved parking area with additional room for campers and horse trailers was constructed at the Ashley National Forest boundary where our project ends and the road turns to gravel, leading further into the Uintas.
The project was initially divided into one section of reconstruction and one longer section of rehabilitation (via 6” Full Depth Reclamation). However, early into reconstruction activity, project leadership identified areas of problematic subgrade conditions reflecting through the surface of the remaining roadway. The underlying structure had undoubtedly failed, and simply pulverizing the existing surface and paving over it would not have been a benefit to the project or the traveling public. By introducing a bilateral contract modification, a third project section was created. Burdick Materials’ operations management team simultaneously administered a second Federal Highways Administration contract in Daggett County, delivering exceptional outcomes on both projects. Our mutual trust and shared commitment to the final goal were instrumental in overcoming unforeseen roadblocks.
Safety is at the forefront of our projects and is a lived principle among our crews, resulting in this successful completion of a zero-harm project. Public releases were issued by our partner agencies to inform the traveling public about construction activity, delay times and closures. Temporary traffic lights were used as well as pilot vehicles to ensure safe travel with no worksite intrusions.
