Final Project

Final
Proposal

Renovation
project
for

Interstate
430
in
Pulaski
County,
Arkansas

Paulsen
Construction

Prepared
by
Daniel
Paulsen

Dr.
Cindy
Lawley

CE
399

1

Executive Summary

Traffic accidents pose a major problem to modern society. Accidents result in monetary
loss due to vehicle and other damages, time lost, injury, and occasionally death. As
such, reasonable measures should be taken to reduce the risk of traffic accidents.
Roads should be maintained and improved to decrease the number of automobile
crashes.

Interstate 430 in Pulaski County, Arkansas connects Interstate 40, Interstate 30, and
Interstate 630. I-430 is one of three bridges in Pulaski County crossing the Arkansas
River. The I-430 Bridge is the primary route connecting Maumelle and Oak Grove to
Little Rock and West Little Rock. This route, however, proves to be accident prone.
Between exits 9 and 12, the highway becomes dangerous to navigate. After crossing
the river heading southwest, the road enters a steep incline of 4.75% grade. While
continuing the incline, the road also curves sharply. The incline and curve are difficult to
safely traverse, especially during unfavorable weather conditions. Occasionally, the
highway is actually shut down due to weather. The road is too dangerous for police to
enforce, allowing motorists to travel as fast as they desire. Statistically, the segment of
highway between Exit 9 and the bridge over the Arkansas River has three times as
many accidents as expected.

This proposal offers a remedy for the aforementioned dangers. The highway should be
lengthened by 2,350 feet, heading further west before continuing southeast. This allows
the steepest grade of the slope of the highway to be 3.5%. While curving, the grade will
only be 1.5%. To accomplish this, one of the onramps and one of the off ramps will
have to be altered. The solution is superior to other solutions, because it minimizes
disturbance to traffic flow, and does not require modifying the bridge in any way. The
proposal lengthens the road, allowing a safe grade, without interfering with existing
roads or structures. The operations can be divided into three phases: clearing the
terrain and removing existing pavement, grading the road, and laying the new asphalt.
Required for the project are a superintendent, excavator crew, grading crew, asphalt
crew, motor grader crew, and a team of drivers and operators. The equipment needed
is listed in the proposal.

The project will begin the first month of March and be completed the first month of
August. The project spans 22 weeks. During construction, traffic flow will continue. For
the majority of the project, the highway will be reduced to four lanes, two heading either
direction. At all times, all of the onramps and off ramps will be open. One onramp will be
detoured, however.

The total cost of the project will be $4,749,590. This cost will be funded by the Arkansas
state government and the federal government.

2

Paulsen Construction

Paulsen Concrete was founded by engineer and Dutch immigrant Curtis Paulsen. In
1917, Curtis began selling concrete products in Richmond Virginia. The company
quickly became a respected manufacturer in central and eastern Virginia. In 1926,
Paulsen Concrete entered the construction industry, and the company was renamed
Paulsen Construction. The construction business did not take off until the Great
Depression. With the implementation of civil works projects, Paulsen Construction
exploded into one of the nation’s leading construction companies. Since then, Paulsen
Construction has been steadily growing.

Paulsen Construction, which is now a design-build firm, is a Fortune 500 company. We
currently do work in all fifty states. In the past 10 years, we have also begun
international work. We now do work in Canada, Europe, and India. The focus of our
work is highways and roads. However, we also build bridges, tunnels, airports,
stadiums, energy plants, waste water treatment plants, and other civil works.

Paulsen Construction is known for several things. We are known for the quality of our
work. We complete the work to the satisfaction of the customer, we complete the work
on time, and we complete the work within budget. Paulsen Construction is also known
for safety. Our goal is to complete every job with zero injuries. Additionally, Paulsen
Construction is an environmentally friendly construction company, being one of the first
companies to adopt the LEED program.

Finally, Paulsen Construction is known for innovation. No matter how unique or
demanding the project, we will find the best way to finish it. We are always on the
forefront of the construction industry, using or developing the latest construction
technology.

3

Statement of Need

Interstate 430 crosses the Arkansas River between exits 9 and 12. This particular
stretch of highway proves to be dangerous to motorists. The highway crosses the
Arkansas River, heading southwest. After crossing the river, the road enters a steep
incline of 4.75% grade (Nilles). Approximately half way up the incline, the road enters a
sharp turn continuing the steep incline throughout the curve. Vehicles are prone to
losing control due to the incline and curve. During adverse weather conditions, the
danger increases significantly. Occasionally law enforcement closes the highway due to
the weather. This leaves motorists stranded on the highway for extensive periods of
time.

Compounding the existing problem is the law enforcement’s inability to successfully
regulate the speed of motorists. The speed limit on I-430 is 65 miles per hour. However,
motorists can drive at speeds greatly exceeding the limit. Law enforcement is unable to
regulate the speed in this area, due to the layout of the road. Police cars cannot park
safely on the bridge, due to the excessively narrow shoulder. Similarly, squad cars
cannot park safely on either the straight or curved section of the incline. Police do not
want to risk a driver losing control of the vehicle and hitting the police car. Statistical
data illustrating the commonality of speeders and the severity of speeding does not
exist, due to the aforementioned inability to apprehend speeders.

Regular vehicular failure presents a third source of danger. Similar to police cars,
inoperable vehicles cannot be safely parked on the bridge or incline. Motorists whose
cars become inoperable can choose to wait in the vehicle, risking being hit by traffic.
The second option available to the motorist is to walk across the bridge or up the

4

incline, again risking being hit by traffic. Also, fixing an inoperable automobile on the
highway proves to be dangerous. Tow trucks cannot safely stop on the highway to
move vehicles. Reentering the highway with a vehicle in tow is extremely difficult.

A final source of danger in the highway is the inability of large trucks to climb the steep
grade. Often times, trucks cannot climb the hill, and are forced to stop on the shoulder.
These trucks must therefore be towed up the hill, which proves to be difficult and
dangerous.

Attached on page 7 of this proposal is a list of accidents occurring on the .82 mile span
of I-430 between Exit 9 and the bridge over the Arkansas River (Bonds, Nilles). A
severity description code is displayed beneath the table. The accident list does not
include accidents occurring on the bridge. The list includes accidents occurring in 2008.
Similar lists were compiled for 2006 and 2007 (Bonds). Between 2006 and 2008, a total
of 153 traffic accidents occurred. The 153 accidents caused a total of 83 injuries. Two
were listed as incapacitating.

The average daily traffic across this area is 74,900 vehicles (arkansashighways.com).
Therefore, the annual number of accidents, per ten thousand vehicles average daily
traffic, per mile is approximately 8.304. The number of accidents per average daily
traffic per mile is much greater than typical numbers. A survey of 25 highways spanning
a total of 243 miles found the average number of accidents, per ten thousand vehicles
average daily traffic, per mile to be 2.256 (Rentz). The largest value found was 6.881
accidents. Therefore, the number of accidents is relatively large, being over three times
the average.

5

Due to the hazards listed, the section of highway between the Arkansas River and Exit
9 is extremely dangerous. Validating this is statistical data for this stretch of highway
and other highways. This danger necessitates the renovation of Interstate 430. The path
and length of the highway will be altered. The grade of the slope will be decreased from
4.75% to 3.5%. While the highway curves, the grade will be 1.5%. By decreasing the
slope of the highway, vehicles will be able to more maintain control, even during
adverse conditions. Law enforcement will be able to safely park on the inclined section
of the highway. By parking on either end of the bridge, officers will be able to patrol the
bridge without parking on it. Drivers of inoperable vehicles will be able to park safely
and wait to be have their car fixed or towed. Finally, large trucks will be able to climb the
hill.

The solution detailed in this proposal is simpler and more economically feasible than
other solutions. The project does not require altering the bridge in any way. Any project
that involves modifying the bridge or building a new bridge would be excessively
expensive. Also, the path detailed in this proposal is the best possible path. This path
does not require modifying any roads other than I-430. It decreases the slope the most
possible without interfering with existing structures. Any path that goes over the
ridgeline (east of the curved section of highway), would increase the slope and require
excessive removal of soil. Any path that heads farther west would interfere with existing
structure and make the highway longer than necessary. Finally, this solution only
requires modifying one off ramp and one onramp.

On a given day, 74,900 vehicles cross the I-430 Bridge. Renovating the highway and
ensuring the safety of all the motorists is essential. It is the first step towards creating a
safer highway system and a safer state.

6

2008
Traffic
accidents
between
Exit
9
and
Arkansas
River

Date Time North/South Severity #Inj Type of Collision
04/04/2008 12:00 N 4 1 REAR END
12/09/2008 10:59 N 5 0 SIDESWIPE SAME DIRECTION
05/17/2008 11:55 N 5 0 REAR END
04/03/2008 07:30 N 5 0 SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH
03/30/2008 14:58 S 5 0 SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH
10/07/2008 07:30 N 5 0 ANGLE
12/11/2008 17:34 S 5 0 REAR END
06/12/2008 07:45 N 5 0 REAR END
07/29/2008 08:11 N 5 0 REAR END
11/12/2008 12:42 N 4 1 REAR END
02/08/2008 16:25 S 5 0 REAR END
10/09/2008 17:19 S 4 1 REAR END
10/15/2008 16:24 N 5 0 REAR END
08/20/2008 06:06 N 3 1 ANGLE
08/02/2008 14:00 N 4 1 HEAD ON

Injury Severity Code: 1=Fatal injury
2=Incapacitating injury
3=Non-incapacitating injury
4=Possible injury
5=No injury
Statistics courtesy of Karen Bonds, records manager, Arkansas State Police

7

Project Description

Objectives:

The goal of the renovation project is to make Interstate 430 safe for motorists. To
accomplish this, the highway is to be lengthened, and will follow an altered path. By
lengthening the highway, I-430 can be reduced to a safe grade. Also, while the road
curves, the road will have a significantly decreased grade of slope. Due to existing
structures, the highway path cannot be altered south of Exit 9 for Highway 10. Also,
altering the bridge would be financially unfeasible. Therefore, the .82 mile stretch of
highway between the bridge and Exit 9 will be the only section of road altered.

On page 11 is an aerial photo of the highway and surrounding area. The current path of
Interstate 430 is marked in black. The proposed path is marked in red. The new
highway heads farther southwest before curving southeast. The original highway spans
approximately 4,330 feet. With a constant grade of 4.75%, the highway changes in
elevation by 206 feet (Nilles). The new highway will span 6680 feet. It will travel 2,600
feet southwest, at a constant grade of 3.5%. The road then curves southeast for 1,400
feet. While curving, the highway will have a grade of 1.5%. After the curve is complete,
the highway will span a final 1,100 feet. This section will again have a grade of 3.5%.

In addition to renovating the highway, the Exit 9 onramps and off ramps will have to be
altered. The ramps being altered are highlighted in yellow on page 11. The new ramps
are marked in blue. The current exit for southbound traffic heading west on Highway 10
will be shortened, as can be seen in the picture. The new layout will never require a
detour or closing of the exit, as traffic will be able to flow around the construction. The
onramp for eastbound Highway 10 traffic heading south of I-430 will also be altered.
Due to the new direction of I-430, the space available for the onramp is decreased. The

8

curve of the onramp must be sharpened. This requires decreasing the speed limit.
During construction of the ramp, traffic will be detoured onto I-430 onramp from
eastbound Highway 10. This will slow traffic, but traffic will still flow safely.

This project aims to not only make I-430 safe, but it aims to do so quickly with minimal
impact on current traffic flow. Therefore, the new sections of highway will be constructed
in their entirety before construction will begin on the existing highway. When altering the
existing highway, only half the road will be constructed at a time. First, the southbound
highway will be removed, graded, and repaved. Northbound and southbound traffic will
travel on the northbound lanes. By reducing lane widths and using the shoulders, four
lanes will be available for northbound southbound traffic. After construction of the
southbound highway is complete, construction on the northbound highway will
commence. Again, all traffic will be diverted onto the southbound highway.

Methods:

For each section of highway, a series of operations will be performed. To design the
schedule and plan the implementation of the operations, this project was compared to
similar projects designed by Paulsen Construction. Also, Jack Carter, an estimator for
Skanska, was consulted due to his expertise in paving and excavating.

For new sections of highway, the land will have to be cleared of trees and other
obstacles. For existing sections, an excavator crew will remove the existing asphalt and
gravel. Approximately seven inches of the asphalt will be reusable, and three inches will
be unusable. Bull dozers will be used to plough the material into piles. Dump trucks will
haul the unusable material to a dump site. They will haul the usable material to several
locations on the job site.

9

After the land has been cleared or the old highway removed, the land can be graded for
the new highway. The bulldozers will be used to remove large rocks and debris. A motor
grader will grade the terrain to the desired slope. A roller will then compact and smooth
the ground. All of the earth removed will have to be hauled away from the jobsite. The
dirt will be loaded into dump trucks by a track loader.

After the land is graded, paving can begin. Asphalt pavers will be used to lay the new
asphalt and gravel. Medians, signs, and barriers can be installed. Finally, the road
markings are painted.

To minimize time lost due to weather, the project will commence in the first week of
March. The project will require 22 weeks. It will be completed the first week of August.
The exact project timeline is listed on page 12. By choosing this timeline, delays to
snow or excessive heat will be limited, if present. Delays caused by excessive rain,
thunderstorms, or tornadoes may occur during this time period.

10

Schedule of Activities

Phase 1: New highway
Clear land: 1 week
Grading: 2 weeks
New stone: 3 weeks
New asphalt: 1 week
Total 7 weeks

Phase 2: Southbound off ramp
Grade: ½ week
New stone and asphalt 1 week
Total 1 ½ weeks

Phase 3: Existing southbound highway
Remove asphalt: 1 ½ weeks
Remove gravel: ½ week
Grading: 1 week
New Stone: 1 ½ weeks
New Asphalt ½ week
Total: 5 weeks

Phase 4: Existing northbound highway
Remove asphalt: 1 ½ weeks
Remove gravel: ½ week
Grading: 1 week
New Stone: 1 ½ weeks
New Asphalt ½ week
Total: 5 weeks

Phase 5: Southbound onramp:
Remove asphalt and gravel: 1 week
Grading: ½ week
New Stone and asphalt: 1 week
Total: 2 ½ weeks

Phase 6: Barriers, signage, markings 1 week

Total: 22 weeks

11

Equipment Recommendations

Listed below is the necessary equipment for the completion of this project. Also listed
are the recommended make and model for each type of equipment. This list was
compiled using knowledge gained from previous Paulsen Construction projects. When
choosing equipment, Jack Carter, an estimator for Skanska, was consulted, due to his
familiarity with the type of work and equipment. Finally, the product specifications on the
Caterpillar website were referenced, confirming that the equipment is suitable for the
tasks required.

Equipment Type Quantity Make Model
Excavator 1 Caterpillar 330
Dump Truck 5 Caterpillar 772
Bull Dozer 2 Caterpillar D8
Motor Grader 1 Caterpillar 140M
Roller 2 Caterpillar CS76
Track Loader 1 Caterpillar 963
Asphalt Paver 1 Barber Greene MTP1265

12

Staffing

Listed below is a list of the staff required for the project. This list was generated by
comparing this project with previous projects completed by Paulsen Construction.
Again, Jack Carter, an estimator for Skanska, was consulted.

• 1 project superintendent
o 1 excavating crew foreman
 1 excavator operator
 1 semi-skilled worker
o 1 grade foreman
 4 semi-skilled workers
o 1 motor grader foreman
 1 motor grader operator
 1 semi-skilled worker
o asphalt crew supervisor
 6 semi-skilled workers
 2 roller operators
o 9 truck drivers/operators

13

Budget

The budget was calculated using knowledge from previous projects completed by
Paulsen Construction. Also consulted were unit cost tables provided by the Indiana
Department of Transportation. The estimated total cost is $4,749,590. The budget is
listed below, divided by type of expense and divided by operation.

 Type of expense:
o Materials: $2,783,320
o Staffing: $1,104,920
o Equipment: $861,350

 Operation
o Pavement removal
 I-430 $1,492,200
 Onramp, off ramp $373,050
 Total removal $1,865,250
o Paving
 I-430 $1,617,480
 Total paving $2,079,620
o Grading
 I-430 $746,050
 Total grading $791,530
o Land clearing $8,230
o Signage $3,830
o Road Markings $1,130

14

Summary of Advantages

• Most efficient solution
o Does not alter bridge
o Does not interfere with existing roads
o Does not interfere with existing structures
o Budget of $4,749,590
• Increased safety for motorists
o 3.5% grade of slope on straightway
o 1.5% grade of slope during curve
• Allows law enforcement to patrol I-430 incline and bridge
• Maintains steady traffic flow
o Four lanes of traffic will always be open
o Onramps and off ramps will remain in operation
• Most efficient construction process
o Well organized schedule of activities
o Sufficient, economical list of equipment
o Concise list of staff
o Total time of construction only 22 weeks

15

Conclusion

Renovation of Interstate 430 is necessary to ensure the safety of motorists. Due to the
steep incline of 4.75% grade and sharp curve, vehicles are prone to losing control,
especially during adverse weather conditions. The highway is actually closed down
occasionally due to weather. Also, law enforcement has difficulty safely patrolling the
highway. Statistically, the segment of highway between the bridge over the Arkansas
River and Exit 9 has over three times as many accidents as expected. Therefore, the
highway must be lengthened by 2,350 feet. This decreases the grade to 3.5%. The
slope of the grade during the curve will only be 1.5%. This solution does not require
altering the bridge, and does not interfere with existing roads or structures.

The project will require 22 weeks, beginning in the first month of March and being
completed in the first week of August. The effect to traffic flow will be minimized. At all
times, all of the onramps and off ramps will be functional. Additionally, at least four
lanes of highway will be open at all times. The total cost of the project will be
$4,749,590. This project will be funded by the Arkansas state government and federal
government. This project will benefit every Pulaski County citizen and visitor that
crosses the Arkansas River via I-430. The project benefits the drivers and passengers
of the 74,900 vehicles that traverse this route every day.

This project will be considered successful if it is completed on time and within budget.
The project will be a success if it increases the safety of the highway. This can be
measured by a decrease in the number of traffic accidents.

16

Works Cited

arkansashighways.com. Daily Traffic Estimates. 2007. <http://www.arkansashighways.c
om/Maps/TrafficCountyMaps/2007ADT/tpula.pdf>

Bonds, Karen. Email correspondence. Records Manager. Arkansas State Police. April
28, 2009.

Carter, Jack. Phone interview. Estimator. Skanska USA Civil Southeast. April 27, 2009

Caterpillar. Products and Applications. April 30, 2009.
<
http://www.cat.com/cda/layout?m=37400&x=7>

Nilles, David. Email correspondence. Public Information Office. Arkansas State Highway
and Transportation Department. April 29, 2009.

Retz, Henry. Life-Cycle Cost Analysis in Pavement Design. September 1998. US DOT.
Federal Highway Administration. Publication No. FHWA-SA-98-079.
<http://isddc.dot.gov/OLPFiles/FHWA/013017.pdf>

17

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