Bridge Construction | Geotechnical Exploration
Hoover Dam Bypass
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Project Description
The Hoover Dam Bypass Project was conceived to address a number of issues related to the functionality of U.S. 93 and its crossing of the Hoover Dam. The need for an improved highway, and more specifically a new Colorado River crossing near Hoover Dam, had been a priority for the Federal Highway Administration, the states of Arizona and Nevada, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for several years.
The bypass included construction of approximately 3.5 miles of new four-lane highway, and a new 1,900-foot bridge over the Colorado River. The bridge runs 1,500 feet south of the dam, and ties into the existing U.S. 93 route on the east and west sides.
Team Members
Central Federal Lands Highway Division, HDR Inc., Sverdrup Civil Inc., T.Y. Lin International, AMEC Earth and Environmental, Crux Subsurface Inc.
Crux’s Role
Crux was contracted to complete more than 10,000 feet of exploratory drilling to aid in the design of the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge and supporting structures. Upon completion, this bridge was the longest structure of its kind, at almost one-half mile long and 800 feet above the Colorado River. The new bridge and supporting structures are located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Due to the high-profile nature of the project and its proximity to high density tourist areas, low visual impact to the view shed was mandatory.
Crux worked with Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) to minimize safety risk while conducting helicopter operations near and under WAPA's 250 kV lines. Crux drilled several borings to depths of 250 feet along steep canyon walls using HQ3 triple tube coring systems. An NQ3 triple tube coring system was used when Goodman Jack test were performed. At the completion of each boring, Crux provided downhole imaging using Crux Oriented Borehole Logging (COBL) services.
Difficult Access
Crux provided contract helicopter services to access borings and lift the drills into place on the canyon walls. At times, the helicopter had to place drill equipment directly under active power transmission lines, which cross the canyon along the bridge alignment. With the aid of a thorough communications process, highly skilled pilots safely landed the drills at each boring location. Several borings were bolted prior to situating Crux equipment. Crux crews were on belay during the drilling of these borings. Borings near the existing highway were accessed using a 35-ton rough terrain crane operated by Crux. Due to the close proximity of power lines, several borings were accessed using Crux's Spyder excavator, carrying drills to locations on steep, rocky, 1:1 slopes.
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To request additional information, please use our Contact Page or call 866-CRUXSUB (866-278-9782).
