Originally conceived in 1946, the North Spokane Corridor (NSC) project has been on a long journey from conception to reality. Groundbreaking for the first project associated with the NSC was in 2001, and completion of the final project is expected to be in 2030 — 84 years after conception. Currently, …

The Klamath River Revival project is the largest dam removal and environmental restoration and renewal project in United States history. It spans across two states, Oregon and California, and is overseen by the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC), a private, independent nonprofit organization formed to oversee the project, based in …

It is a story that has played out many times in the construction world. An area experiences population growth, leading to traffic congestion on its streets. Then, infrastructure construction occurs to reduce congestion. In the case at hand, that area is the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in southcentral Alaska.

The population in …

For the joint venture of Sundt Construction and Cannon Builders, the Interstate 86/Interstate 15 System Interchange project in Idaho’s Pocatello/Chubbuck metropolitan area requires relatively straightforward road and bridge construction. The real challenge is coordination and logistics.

“The project is essentially a giant, highly coordinated puzzle,” Sundt Project Manager Thiago …

As the construction sector experiences an unexpected surge in job creation at the national level, outpacing the general economic expansion, the local picture reveals an industry struggling. Over the past year, employment growth in the construction industry has fallen by 0.1 percent, which compares unfavorably to the total regional job …

Over the last decade, Central Oregon’s population growth has led to increased traffic and reduced safety for motor vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. As a result, the City of Bend, Oregon, was in need of major safety improvements.

According to data from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), U.S. 97 — …

Good leadership can take many forms. In the case of Hugo Zavala, it manifests itself in — among other things — ensuring that his crews have the best solutions to perform their duties. As President and Owner of Zavala Corporation, a Portland, Oregon-based concrete contractor, he has overseen …

When Western Washington University (WWU) in Bellingham needed additional space for its growing student body, the school decided on a $75.5 million mass timber structure with on-site energy generation.

“Western is strongly committed to reducing its carbon footprint, and we hope that Kaiser Borsari Hall can serve as inspiration and …

Montana Highway 83 (MT 83), snaking between the east side of Salmon Lake and a mountain in the Blackfoot Clearwater Wildlife Management Area, provides access to recreation areas and serves as a popular bicycle route. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is rebuilding MT 83 to enhance roadway safety.

The …

Focused on increasing capacity and enhancing safety, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has launched a project to expand U.S. 95 to four lanes from Thorn Creek Road to Moscow.

“It will improve safety, and it also will be a faster route for the public and improve efficiency,” said Howard Cooley …

Nestled midway between Eugene and Salem, Oregon, is the town of Halsey, where Route 99E runs through the Willamette Valley. The small town and route are slightly west of I-5 (parallels 99E). To update the portion of 99E going through Halsey, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is currently working …

New construction equipment technologies make it easier for companies like Lallo Pipeline to work more efficiently — often with fewer laborers — to ensure that every task is done accurately and to the customer’s satisfaction.

Lallo Pipeline performs a variety of construction services in southern Oregon and is based near …

To ensure the state’s critical infrastructure remains in good condition, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is nearing completion of the Richardson Highway MP 40-51 Resurfacing project.

Running 366 miles from Valdez to Fairbanks, Richardson Highway was Alaska’s first major long-distance road and is still regularly used …

Interstate 90 traverses the entire United States. The 3,000-plus mile road runs between Seattle and Boston. The Snoqualmie Pass, which is a little over 50 miles from Seattle via I-90 and situated by the Keechelus Lake, is a mountain pass through which I-90 goes through the Cascade Range. The Washington …

Idaho’s Treasure Valley is in the western area of the state. It includes four of the state’s six largest cities, including the capital, Boise. Approximately 40 percent of the state population lives in the Treasure Valley, and three of its cities were among the 15 fastest growing in the U.S. …

Anticipating substantial growth in the coming decades, Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon is expanding the main terminal with its $2 billion PDX Next project.

“Along with our PDX Next partners, we’re building the space with an eye to the future,” says Allison Ferre, Media Relations Manager for the Port …

The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) announces the winners of the 2023 National Design-Build Project/Team Merit Awards. A total of 62 projects from across the United States were submitted for consideration in 10 different categories. The submissions underwent evaluation by a panel of industry experts.

“With the continued growth of …

The West Seattle Bridge is one of the most-used pieces of infrastructure in the entire State of Washington. It connects a large portion of Seattle’s population to the downtown area, serving as the connector of bedroom communities to business centers.

The concrete segmental bridge’s future became in doubt in early …

A Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) project won a regional award in the 2023 America’s Transportation Awards competition, created by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The competition recognizes state departments of transportation (DOTs) for making a difference …

The Port of Tacoma, which is just south of Seattle and part of Pierce County, is a major economic driver for the region, state, and country. A 2019 study found that the port supported over 42,000 jobs, generated almost $3 billion in labor income, and produced over $100 million in …

In the fast-paced construction industry, where time is money, there is a constant demand for innovative technologies that can enhance efficiency and productivity. Among the game-changing combinations that have emerged, one stands out: the Mecalac 9 MWR Excavator paired with a tiltrotator and grade control system. Luke Parmenter – an …

The Columbia River Highway, located in Oregon, is a 75-mile highway that offers views of the Columbia River and Gorge. The gorge, which is 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep, is 30 miles east of Portland. According to Travel Portland, it “… offers amazing views, hiking, mountain …

The Interstate 405/NE 132nd Street interchange project aims to improve motorists’ ability to access the highway in the Kirkland urban center.

“It will provide travelers with better access to jobs and recreation,” says Marisa Chong, Project Engineer with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

The interchange project is …

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently revealed plans to allocate nearly $300 million for nine small- and medium-sized bridge projects in both urban and rural areas. The grants, awarded in eight states and the District of Columbia, are part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's Bridge …

Quickly delivering quality transportation projects to enhance the lives of Idaho residents and to facilitate the efficient movement of freight, remains a top priority for Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) Director Scott Stokes.

“We’ve coined the term ‘invest with purpose’,” Stokes says. “We are oriented to make the citizens and …

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is replacing the Division and Elizabeth Park overpasses on Interstate 90 in the northern part of the state, near Kellogg, to improve safety.

“The aging bridges were past their service life and were scheduled for replacement,” says Joey Sprague, Project Manager for ITD. “We …

The Association of General Contractors (AGC) and Construction Risk Partners recently honored this year’s best new and renovation construction projects with Build America Awards at the AGC Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Build America Merit Awards were also presented to construction companies at the convention.

“These awards are designed …

Aiming to improve safety and eliminate long-standing bottlenecks on Oregon 217 between Beaverton and Tigard, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has embarked on a $158 million improvement project.

“We are creating auxiliary lanes to ease congestion on OR 217,” says David Finnigan, Project Manager with Kerr Contractors Oregon …

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado (ACEC Colorado) recently honored engineering firms from across the state at the organization’s annual Engineering Excellence Awards program. The highest honor, the Grand Conceptor Award, was presented to ME Engineers of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, for the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. …

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Washington (ACEC Washington) recently honored engineering firms from across the state at the organization’s annual Engineering Excellence Awards program. The highest honor, the Platinum Award, was presented to KPFF Consulting Engineers (KPFF) for its design of the Port of Seattle’s International Arrivals Facility …

Progress is taking place toward finishing the $2.38 billion Puget Sound Gateway Program in Washington with the SR 509 Completion Project, as the state adds a new four-lane expressway and more improvements.

“We have marine ports on the north and south sides at Seattle and Tacoma, and this will benefit …

Seven decades after the Mitchell Point Tunnel closed to traffic, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has undertaken a $25.4 million project to open the iconic tunnel again to pedestrians, bicycles and those driving vehicles for special events.

“When the tunnel opens in 2024, it will have been the first …

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) announces the Rainier Square Redevelopment in Seattle, Washington, as the 2022 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (OCEA) Award winner. The OCEA Award, which recognizes civil engineering projects around the country, honors projects that exemplify engineering skill and provide considerable contributions to local and regional …

Improvements to a primary north-south corridor in Fairbanks, Alaska, University Avenue, aims to reduce congestion, improve access for pedestrians and bicyclists, and increase safety and mobility.

“Over the years, the four-lane, undivided facility had become congested with heavy turning traffic competing with through traffic,” says Northern Region Group Chief Lauren …

Progress is happening on the latest segment of the 10.5-mile-long North Spokane Corridor (NSC), including construction of a new interchange with roundabouts.

“This project is for safety and will get a lot of the freight traffic off the local streets of Spokane,” says Project Engineer Jody Qualley, with the …

O’Brien & Company recently received the Most Outstanding Project award at the 2022 Trimble Viewpoint Construction Awards for updating and expanding the Nestucca Valley K-8 School in Cloverdale, Oregon. Trimble’s annual awards honor the technological achievements of North American contractors as exhibited through the growth and improvements of their projects, …

The Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) Active Transportation Plan – 2020 and Beyond was voted the People’s Choice Award winner in the 2022 America’s Transportation Awards competition, sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Active …

The Oregon Department of Transportation’s $17 million in improvements to Oregon 212 from Interstate 205 to U.S. 26 through Damascus and Boring provided a new fish-friendly bridge as well as paving, road repairs and sidewalk upgrades.

“This was an operations project,” says Jamie Miller, Project Manager and Resident …

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded $1.5 billion in Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grants to highway, multimodal freight, and rail projects across the country. In the Pacific Builder & Engineer area, a $25-million INFRA grant was awarded to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for the Salmon …

Oregon’s largest interstate investment in nearly 45 years, the I-205 Abernethy Bridge Project, is breaking down barriers by providing workforce development opportunities to individuals from economically distressed zip codes. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) project is the first in the United States to participate in a four-year Federal Highway …

Many infrastructure projects are in reaction to an issue such as excessive traffic or safety concerns. Some infrastructure projects take place in anticipation of the future. The I-205 Improvements Project – a few miles south of Portland, Oregon – is both in reaction to and in anticipation of actual events …

To meet growing traffic needs, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is expanding and upgrading the State Highway 41 Corridor from Post Falls to Rathdrum to increase capacity and improve safety.

“There is a lot of new development in the area,” says Randy Durland, Project Manager for the south section …

Five state department of transportation projects in Washington, Idaho, and Alaska won regional awards in the 2022 America’s Transportation Awards competition, sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The competition recognizes state DOTs for making a difference in …

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) recently cut the ribbon on the Lower Yellowstone Intake Diversion Dam Fish Passage Project, completing construction on the $44-million, 2.1-mile-long channel. The intake diversion dam supplies irrigation water to the area, providing a natural source to the …

For more than 50 years, LHC Inc. has provided construction services to Montana’s Flathead Valley. It has completed and is currently working on some of the Treasure State’s largest, most complex, and high-profile projects, including the construction of a nearly $34 million bypass around its home city of Kalispell.

LHC’s …

Maintenance might not be your favorite thing to do, but this minor inconvenience can help you avoid major headaches in the future. Good maintenance practices not only keep the machine running at peak performance, but they also minimize downtime from repairs that come from ignoring key maintenance requirements. Here are …

WINNIPEG, MB — Evolution Wheel is a manufacturer of heavy-duty skid steer tires. The EWRS-HS series solid skid steer tire is the hard surface version of the EWRS-AT series all-terrain tire. The solid EWRS-HS skid steer tire is ideal for surfaces like concrete or asphalt.

Evolution Wheel spends a lot …

February 28, 2001, was a day that rocked western Washington State – literally. The Nisqually Earthquake struck the area. The epicenter of the 6.8 quake was 11 miles north of Olympia. Although scientists estimate the quake struck 30 miles below the Nisqually River delta, the impact was felt miles away …

It doesn’t matter how much aggregate is produced in a day if it is contaminated or not sized correctly. Though screen media is a minor cost when compared to larger equipment in a quarry or mine, it is a crucial part of any operation’s profit machine. One unexpected break and …

The global upheaval of the last few years has undoubtedly rocked the construction industry – and stories of labor shortages driven by COVID-19 abound. Add to that an aging workforce further stressed by current conditions, combined with a lack of skilled replacements, and the current struggle makes sense.

But beneath …

The needs of the project owner have always defined the parameters of a construction job, but all signs are pointing to owners playing a bigger role in the use of technology on their projects in the future, especially as we begin to see federal funds put to work on transportation …

While America’s transportation infrastructure continues to be one of the country’s greatest historical accomplishments, as well as the lifeblood of the American economy, the system itself continues to have serious challenges during the last two decades.

This is mainly due to the rise in traffic congestion which has ensnarled hundreds …

Most people in the construction industry will say that on any given work site, there is always an amount of waste that could have been avoided. Whether it be poorly handled materials, re-work, weather damage, or working from out of date documents, there are plenty of ways that humans can …

Located in northwest Oregon and 40 miles southwest of Portland is McMinnville. The Yamhill River, an 11-mile tributary of the Willamette River, goes through the town. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is in the middle of a project over the river – the South Yamhill River Bridge.

Built in …

As droughts and growing population affect water security around the globe, desalination becomes an increasingly important option. In communities searching for sustainable, long-term solutions, new technology can increase the efficiency of water treatment efforts.

Initially developed in the late 1950s, reverse osmosis (RO) desalination evolved into the leading desalination process. …

Located approximately 35 miles south of Seattle in West Central Washington is Tacoma-Pierce County. The county is the setting for a major infrastructure project headed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The I-5 Portland Avenue to Port of Tacoma Road Southbound HOV project is the culmination of a …

Many of the most famous structures of ancient times were constructed from a material we often think of us as modern. The workers who built them needed a material that could be shaped into blocks and other forms more easily than carving from stone. Finally, someone concocted a mixture of …

When asked to list government traits, efficiency is not one too many people would include. However, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is on track to complete the Anchor River Bridge Replacement one year earlier than scheduled. That’s efficient and sure to please motorists.

Located in southern …

It may be the shortest interstate highway in Oregon – and one of the shortest in the United States – but Interstate 405 in Portland is one of the state's heaviest traveled interstates. Also known as the Stadium Freeway, the 4.2 mile-long I-405 runs through the western side of downtown …

The future is looking bright for the construction industry, with project pipelines full and the promise of infrastructure spending infusing the industry with confidence and optimism. But as we face another year of supply chain issues and crippling workforce shortages, it’s possible that our industry’s biggest challenge could be too …

Safety improvements, better traffic flow, and improved economic opportunities are a recipe for a successful construction project. The Barker Road/BNSF Grade Separation Project, which is taking place in Spokane Valley, Washington, offers each of these benefits.

Spokane Valley is in northeastern Washington, just a few miles from the Idaho border. …

On a recent project to replace the municipal boat launch in Seward, Alaska, Hamilton Construction was presented with a challenge: create an accurate 13 percent slope to support the new structure’s sleeper timbers and concrete planks, but do so in tidal conditions, making visual verification of their progress difficult, if …

According to the 2020 United States Census, Idaho’s population grew over 17 percent since 2010, making it the second fastest-growing state in the country. Meridian, Idaho, which is approximately 10 miles from the state capital of Boise, was the fourth fastest-growing city in the country, as its population increased by …

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has completed a project designed to ease Interstate 5 traffic congestion and improve safety along a mountain pass in the southwestern part of the state. The I-5 Roberts Mountain to South Umpqua River Paving and Climbing Lanes Project, near the town of Roseburg, Ore. …

The Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) $705 million I-405 Renton to Bellevue Widening and Express Toll Lanes project aims to relieve congestion, increase trip reliability and improve safety on one of the busiest corridors in the state. More than 200,000 vehicles drive on the corridor daily.

“The purpose …

Most infrastructure projects are standard – build a new road or bridge, add lanes to an existing roadway, repair a road or bridge, etc. Such projects are important and can be a boon to an area while allowing traffic to flow smoothly. A project taking place in Oregon – the …

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is in the midst of a six-phase, multi-road construction project dubbed the Billings Bypass. Currently, MDT is working on phase two – the construction of the Yellowstone River Bridge.

The new arterial roadway will connect the city of Lockwood to the Highway 312/Highway 87 …

The National Hockey League’s newest franchise, the Seattle Kraken, will start its inaugural season this fall in the $1 billion Climate Pledge Arena, a brand new arena under a historic landmarked roof dedicated to carbon neutrality.

“Sustainability is important for us,” says Rob Johnson, Vice President of Sustainability and Transportation …

Whether it’s paving new roads or rebuilding after disaster, constructing next generation energy sources or laying pipelines of opportunity, Goodfellow Bros. (GBI) has been an integral part of the development of the West Coast and Hawaii over the last century.

But it’s not just the scope and scale of capabilities …

Whether it’s paving new roads or rebuilding after disaster, constructing next generation energy sources or laying pipelines of opportunity, Goodfellow Bros. (GBI) has been an integral part of the development of the West Coast and Hawaii over the last century.

But it’s not just the scope and scale of capabilities …

The Columbia River Gorge along Oregon’s border with Washington is a renowned scenic area that draws hikers, bikers, campers, and tourists from around the world. The small town of Troutdale that sits along the Sandy River at the easternmost edge of the Portland area marks the western edge of the …

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and a nonprofit organization dedicated to habitat restoration teamed up to remove a fish barrier created about 80 years ago, allowing salmon to freely swim between Oak Bay and southern Kilisut Harbor under State Route 116 on Marrowstone Island.

“This fish barrier correction …

Construction of a second cruise ship berth at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska, finished seven months early with thorough planning, innovation, and technology – earning Turnagain Marine Construction multiple awards, including the Viewpoint Most Challenging Project Award for 2020.

“The influx of tourism and cruise ships has revitalized the …

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has undertaken four projects on OR 22 in the Willamette Valley and Northwest Oregon to ensure the corridor will remain functional for many years.

“This project was based on the pavement’s life cycle,” says Lou Torres, Spokesman for ODOT. “Its replacement is to …

The Interstate 105 Bridge Preservation Project, recently completed by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), has rehabilitated several I-105 bridges and associated ramps between the Delta Highway Exchange and downtown Eugene, bringing the structures up to current standards. The bridges, built in the late 1960s and early 1970s, were in …

The goal of the Puget Sound Gateway Program can be summed up simply: moving freight from point A to point B. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is in the midst of two projects that will provide essential connections to the Ports of Tacoma and Seattle, as well as …

A nearly two-decade megaproject to rebuild one of Washington’s most vital urban corridors has now reached the halfway mark. The SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program, led by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and estimated to cost $4.56 billion, has been in the works since 2011. It …

During the past decade, Idaho has experienced rapid growth, so the state’s Transportation Department has embarked on a $300 million upgrade to Interstate 84, the most traveled highway in the state, with 31 million annual trips.

“This section of I-84 has seen a significant increase in traffic and crashes in …

Wallowa Lake State Park, located in Northeast Oregon, is a popular tourist destination. The area is at a high elevation (approximately 5,000 feet) and is home to mountains as high as 9,000 feet. Many tourists, as well as locals, use the Wallowa Lake Highway to get to the picturesque area. …

Alaska's largest city is currently witnessing a case of new technology clearing the way for the future. At Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (TSAIA), Quality Asphalt Paving (QAP, a subsidiary of the Colaska Group), is performing a major overhaul of the primary north/south runway to accommodate today’s bigger, heavier cargo …