Coalfields Expressway
Wise, Dickenson, and Buchanan Counties, VA
HSMM is a member of the KBR Team for the $1.6 billion, 50-mile limited access freeway. KBR and VDOT have joined forces on the Coalfields Expressway in a unique design/build, public- private partnership permitted by Virginia’s Public Private Transportation Act.
As part of Phase 1 efforts, HSMM is responsible for design of the Jess Branch Bridge and Bull Creek Bridge. At over 250 feet tall, they are the two tallest bridges in the Commonwealth.
Roadway design challenges in this mountainous region include rock cut excavations up to 250 feet deep, fill embankments up to 175 feet deep, consideration of existing coal mining operations, and addressing abandoned coal mines along the corridor.
In addition, HSMM’s involvement in the initial planning of the Coalfields Expressway included performing the Location Study and Environmental Impact Statement for the entire 50-mile corridor under a separate contract with the Virginia Department of Transportation. |
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