01/12/2006

Custer State Park Project Wins Highway Construction Award

PIERRE, SD – The SD Highway 87 project through CusterState Park recently received the Partnering Award from the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT). The award is presented to the road construction project in South Dakota that best exemplifies strong partnerships between the contractor, SDDOT and any other entity involved. SDDOT Operations Director, Darin Bergquist announced the award winners Wednesday, January 4, at the SDDOT/AGC (Associated General Contractors) Partnership for Highway Quality banquet in Pierre.

The project involved replacement of three bridges, approach grading and asphalt surfacing. Heavy Constructors of Rapid City, SD was the project contractor. The contractor understood the magnitude of the project and was committed to providing a quality product, which was completed on time and under budget. The contractor, SDDOT crews from the Custer Area Office and CusterState Park employees worked diligently to open the lines of communication and establish trust between all partners.

Crews added a unique aesthetic element to the bridges. They used form liners to make the concrete walls appear as if they were constructed from natural stone. They then stained the formed concrete walls to mimic the native rock in the area. They stained the rest of the structure a solid brown to match the surroundings. Crews performed the work during the winter months to lessen disruptions to the park during tourism season.

The level of partnership made it possible to complete this road construction project with the utmost care to the natural park environment. It is an asset to the beauty of CusterState Park.

Each year the SDDOT and AGC award top construction projects around the state at the annual partnering meeting. A committee made up of members from both organizations and the Federal Highway Administration evaluate the nominations and select the top winners.