Urban is pleased to announce that the Vine Expressway (I-676) Bridge Reconstruction project has won the 2018 Project of the Year award from the American Society of Highway Engineers’ (ASHE) Delaware Valley chapter in the over $10 million category. Urban was presented with a plaque for its involvement with construction management and inspection on the project.

“We would like to congratulate PennDOT and the other consultants involved in the successful completion of this project, and on this recognition from ASHE,” said Jerry O’Neill, Urban’s senior vice president and general manager for transportation construction services. “This award is evidence of the success and technical capability of our staff, and we are honored to have been a part of this project.”

Improving safety, travel, and public spaces in Philadelphia’s famed museum-mile area was the goal of this $65 million project. The two-stage effort included the replacement of seven 1950s-era bridge superstructures located between 18th Street and 22nd Street over the Vine Street Expressway (I-676).

As the construction manager and inspector, Urban assisted PennDOT to deliver these improvements safely, on schedule, within budget, and in a manner that met the needs of commuters, local communities, and tourists. During the first stage of the project, ten construction phases were required to maintain safe travel in the area and accommodate high-profile events, including the successful 2015 Papal Visit & World Meeting of Families, the 2017 NFL Draft, and the annual July 4th concert and fireworks.

By completing crucial bridge construction activities at night, the contractors were able to meet schedule milestones without implementing additional detours or road closures that would inconvenience motorists. Other work included reconstruction of several highly visible public spaces — Shakespeare Park, Pennypacker Park, and the plaza on Winter Street alongside the Franklin Institute.