I-25 Transportation Expansion (T-REX)

Denver, Colorado

In May 2001, a joint venture led by Kiewit was awarded the $1.28 billion T-REX project. As the nation’s first multimodal design-build project that encompassed enough concrete to build a 4-ft.-wide by 4-in.-thick sidewalk from Denver to the White House, T-REX provided a unique landmark for design/construction integration, speed and innovation. Completed in August 2006, project personnel were on the fast-track to reconstruct 17 miles of two interstate highways, and construct 19 miles of new double-track light rail transit (LRT) line including 13 new stations. Trackwork consisted of 188,000 track feet of concrete tie track and continuously welded rail, 9,600 track feet of direct fixation and specialty track, restraining and guard rail, expansion joints, 55 ballasted turnouts and crossovers, and 350,000 tons of ballast. The project also included 61 roadway bridges, 14 LRT bridges, three LRT tunnels, approximately 400 utility relocations, drainage improvements, and enhanced pedestrian and bicycle access.

In addition, the project included the construction or reconstruction of 61 bridges, 14 LRT bridges, 3 LRT tunnels, 400 utility relocations, 200 new power feeds, $40 million of drainage improvements, and improved pedestrian and bicycle access. Major quantities included 3.8 million cubic yards of excavation; 800,000 square feet of bridge deck; 3 million square feet of retaining and sound walls; 22,000 tons of rebar; 6 million pounds of structural steel; 27 miles. of drainage pipe; 575,000 tons of asphalt paving; and 38 miles of concrete barrier. This project increased motorist mobility, accessibility and safety within rapidly growing areas.

The project was completed while keeping over 230,000 vehicles per day moving between the most significant business centers in Colorado (Downtown Denver and the Denver Tech Center), and included an award-winning proactive public involvement and information program, an environmental impacts and mitigation plan, 24/7/365 corridor-wide courtesy patrol, a regional Incident Management Plan, and coordinated Intelligent Transportation Systems to manage traffic flow and reduce incidents. The project finished ahead of schedule and under budget and received 25 industry awards.