Gary Ferguson, a project superintendent for Interstate Highway Construction of Englewood, CO, has become a big fan of the Gomaco Corporation’s slipform pavers, and rightfully so. After all, it was Ida Grove, IA-based Gomaco’s four-track Commander III barrier paver that helped keep the $10.5-million C-470 widening project right on schedule.
According to Ferguson, other than constructing the 4.2-mi. (6.76 km) long, 34-in. (86.4 cm) high type-seven barrier wall, the project that extends C-470 from I-70 to 6th Avenue in Golden, CO, was pretty straightforward. In fact, this was the first time that Ferguson has dealt with building a barrier wall, but he said the Commander III was a big help.
“Yes, it helped a lot, we didn’t have to hand pour it,” said Ferguson. “But we were able to use a much dryer mix, about a three-quarter inch slop.”
The Commander III, Gomaco’s latest release in the Commander series, is designed for wider-width slipforming up to 20 ft. (6 m), and features a new modular design, four-track paving framework that adds stability over grade variations. The four-track also is capable of hydraulically elevating to slipform barriers without modifications.
The four-track features the exclusive Gomaco Network Controller, four-point grade control and adaptability for the Gomaco Auto-Float. The machine is capable of zero clearance paving in the four-track mode with one of the rear tracks removed.
Ferguson reported that his crew was about half finished with the barrier construction, although the C-470 extension was officially opened in August.
“The idea of extending C-470 north to 6th Avenue goes back to the mid-1980s, even before the original C-470 was completed in 1990,” said Governor Owens at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. “It’s taken more than a decade to go from conception to reality. One of the main reasons it has taken so long is funding. Now, since Colorado voters have allowed us to bond, we can get most of these 28 projects finished in just 10 years.”
Construction of the highway extension began in October of 1997. It involved building three major structures, a bike path along the west side of the extension between Colfax Avenue and 6th Avenue, drainage upgrades and widening on Colfax and 6th avenues among other improvements.
“Here’s a wonderful illustration of what we can accomplish through intergovernmental cooperation of state, county and city government. The extension will provide wonderful benefits to neighborhoods currently suffering from regional traffic and will provide improved access to Golden from the south and east,” said Golden Mayor Jan Schenck.
The $21-million project was a multi-agency effort. CDOT contributed $16.2 million, which came from the Strategic Corridor Program. Jefferson County and the city of Golden each contributed $2.4 million to the construction of the project.
“This project is a great example of how local partnerships can collectively help solve our transportation problems,” said state Transportation Commissioner Joe Jehn. “But it’s really not about who pays for what, it’s about helping the public. And in this instance, everyone wins.”
Jefferson County Commissioner Pat Holloway echoed Jehn’s thoughts. “Projects like these are more complicated than most residents realize and we are fortunate to have the combined experience of our staffs to bring this project to completion.”
“The link we are opening today will help lessen the frustration many drivers are feeling. This link truly offers a solution for traffic movement in this area,” said Rick Sheehan, chairman of the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners.
Future plans for C-470 include adding ramps to connect southbound C-470 to westbound I-70 and eastbound I-70 to northbound C-470.
“We are making real progress, trying to solve the state’s transportation problems,” said CDOT Executive Director Tom Norton. “Still, we have tremendous needs statewide. But with these kinds of partnerships, we can continue to move important transportation projects ahead quickly.”
Jefferson County Commissioner Michelle Lawrence agreed, saying, “We have a tremendous need for transportation improvements in Jefferson County. We are fortunate to be able to partner with CDOT and other entities to accomplish our goals.”
Of course, it goes without saying how the Commander III played an important role in the project’s completion. Other features of the Commander III include pivoting leg assemblies that allow the legs to easily swing to the outboard position while the machine remains mobile. Minimum and zero clearance requirements are easily achieved with the side-mounted mold and the mold can be center-mounted to allow working in a 10-ft. (3.05 m) wide area.
Each track height is adjustable in 4-in. (10.2 cm) increments for 32-in. (81.3 cm) manual adjustment with 36-in. (91.4 cm) hydraulic adjustment. This allows the Commander III to slipform free-standing barrier walls up to 6 ft. 5 in. (1.96 m) high.
In addition, molds are custom built to any state’s specifications and can be made to pave over caged reinforced steel or longitudinal rebar.
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