US 131 S-Curve

This project involved the complete shutdown of a 1.1-mile segment of U.S. 131 through the middle of Grand Rapids' central business district. Kiewit was required to finish the project in less than one year due to weakened structural conditions and to minimize inconveniences to residents, businesses and motorists. The project was completed in August 2004 after just 10 months of construction, exceeding stakeholders' expectations.

The scope of work involved reconstruction of over a mile of divided freeway, including six bridges. Operating under an “A+B” delivery method, Kiewit divided the project into three sections, working on each section simultaneously to maximize productivity. The team peaked at 280 craftspeople and 70 supervisors, while using more than 150 pieces of equipment.

Crews completed the northbound lanes 19 days ahead-of-schedule and the southbound lanes 35 days ahead-of-schedule, further demonstrating Kiewit's ability to mobilize needed resources to deliver fast-track projects. The reconstructed S-Curve provides a wider, safer freeway with four traffic lanes in each direction, expanded shoulders and extended merge lanes.