DelDOT And Local Contractors Win Industry Award

American Concrete Pipe Association Bestows 2009 Achievement Award

Dover -- A recent construction project on Route 4/Ogletown-Stanton Road, has earned the Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and two local contractors the 2009 Achievement Award from the American Concrete Pipe Association. Primary contractor Eastern States Construction Service, Inc. of Wilmington, and sub-contractor Rinker Materials of Middletown, are the firms sharing in the award.

DelDOT Secretary Carolann Wicks feels the award is recognition that is sorely needed for Delaware contractors. ''At DelDOT, we are fortunate to work with many outstanding contractors, like Eastern States and Rinker,'' Secretary Wicks said. ''These contractors amaze us with their ingenuity and their ability to overcome significant obstacles. But, the outstanding work of these firms usually goes unnoticed, by people not in the industry. I want to add my congratulations to the crews at Eastern States and Rinker. Great job everyone.''

Delaware Senator David McBride (D-Hawk's Nest), said he can appreciate the innovation shown by DelDOT and the contractors. ''As an engineer myself, I certainly respect the significance and the improvements shown in that project,'' McBride said. ''It is commendable not only to the contractors who devised the solution but also to DelDOT for supporting a cutting-edge method.''

In announcing the award, Josh Beakley of the American Concrete Pipe Association, stated, ''The use of concrete jacking pipe to save time and money while reducing disruption in traffic flow to a vital healthcare facility is a good example of the myriad of benefits possible when using precast concrete drainage options.''

The entire project cost $695,326, and the amount saved by using this new technique was $126,330.

The award recognizes that DelDOT used reinforced concrete pipe in a way that was innovative, cost effective and benefited both DelDOT and the public. Specifically, the Route 4 drainage work was the first time that DelDOT used the micro tunneling/pipe jacking method for storm sewer installation. By using this method, the busy Route 4 corridor, near Christiana Hospital, remained open at full capacity while construction proceeded beneath the traveling public.