Glenn/Bragaw Interchange Tour

Last week we had the opportunity to walk through the newly opened Glenn Highway/Bragaw Street Interchange. Jon Carpenter and Kevin Kruger of Wilder Construction took a little time to tell us about the background and timeline of the project. We discussed the difference between the design-build process used for this project and the typical design-bid-build process. We learned that the 42” water main that runs under the new bridge fill had to be fully encased in concrete before the fill could be placed and got to see some photos of the process. Wilder shared their experience of coming across two contaminated sites that were not anticipated when the project began and how they were dealt with. We also got to see some time lapse photos and videos of the bridge girders going up. Following their presentation, Kevin took our group on a site tour. Hard hats and vests were required because we were walking into some closed portions of the site. Drivers and other pedestrians seemed to think we were just being overly cautious while walking on the new sidewalks and trails. We were able to utilize the brand new pedestrian push-buttons that make noises so you know they’ve been triggered. We walked across the new bridge, looking down on rush hour traffic on the Glenn Highway. Even though the project only officially opened last week, it operates like it’s always been here. I showed the group the newly realigned headwaters of Chester Creek. Before it was a filthy ditch that surprisingly turned out to be wetlands and impacts had to be mitigated. The newly re-vegetated ditch now looks like a creek and I feel bad for anyone who wants to change it after us because it won’t be easy! Landscaping and artwork are the two main components left to complete next year and I hope we can go out again to see the finished product. Thanks to everyone who attended and shared in the discussions, and to my Wilder guys for staying late to share with us. All of you made it a great experience!