First Coast Expressway (SR 23) from east of CR 16A Spur to east of CR 209

https://www.accesswire.com/718483/WGI-Inc-is-the-Lead-Designer-for-the-Shands-Bridge-Design-Build-Contract-Awarded-by-the-Florida-Department-of-Transportation - National planning, geospatial, and engineering design firm WGI, Inc. (WGI) is pleased to announce it is part of and lead designer for the project pursuit team awarded the $600M First Coast Expressway (SR 23) from east of CR 16A Spur to East of CR 209 contract by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) -- commonly known as the Shands Bridge project. The contract for FDOT's District 2, centering on the Jacksonville, Florida region, is a Design-Build contract with WGI leading all design-related services and construction administration tasks for the design team. Simultaneously, teaming partners Johnson Brothers Corporation and American Bridge will manage the overall project and construct the new extension of the First Coast Expressway, including the new Shands Bridge. This project extends SR 23 (the First Coast Expressway), a limited-access toll facility, from east of CR 16A Spur to east of CR 209 within St. Johns and Clay Counties. It constructs a new roadway with a four-lane divided roadway and new partial cloverleaf interchange at CR 16A Spur. The project's centerpiece is a new four-lane bridge over the St. Johns River with a bicycle/pedestrian path and scenic overlooks, replacing the old Shands Bridge. In awarding this Design-Build contract, FDOT selected the most-qualified engineering and construction team, evaluating a combination of technical excellence and price for this uniquely challenging construction process. In its selection, FDOT determined that the WGI, Johnson Brothers Corporation, and American Bridge team are best suited to take on the project. The team received the highest technical score supported by innovative cost and time savings proposed during the procurement process. Mike Madison, PE, WGI's Alterative Delivery Manager, led the firm's pursuit -- sharing his excitement. "The combined experience of our team and our innovative, environmentally sustainable project approach were differentiating factors in being selected for the Shands Bridge project," he said. "Our pursuit team is thrilled with the project award, and we look forward to delivering a successful project. Our innovation eliminated over 1,000 in-water piles, saving tens of millions of dollars and reducing the project's construction duration." Construction of the new Shands Bridge will utilize barges for staging construction materials and a host of construction activities in the St. Johns River - Florida's longest river. Enhanced environmental-protection measures and water-quality monitoring stations will be employed to protect its quality. WGI brings design, monitoring, and engineering experience to safeguard the river's water quality from its recent successfully completed Wekiva Parkway Segment 6 project, which featured construction of a four-lane divided tollway over the Wekiva River, a Federally designated Wild and Scenic River. The project is the largest Design-Build win for WGI. Walter Kloss, PE, Vice President responsible for Transportation Alternative Delivery at WGI, explained, "The Shands Bridge win is a very special win for WGI. For years we've expanded our Design-Build practice, and we are very proud to be impacting our nation's infrastructure. Together with our partners from Johnson Brothers Corporation and American Bridge, we look forward to bringing the new Shands Bridge to fruition for motorists to enjoy for decades to come." ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Roads: State Road 23 Phase 3 First Coast Expressway – New St. Johns River Bridge The third and final segment of the FCE includes a new four-lane bridge over the St. Johns River just south of where the Shands Bridge currently stands. The vertical clearance height of the new bridge will be 65 feet from the water line, compared to the existing 45 feet of clearance. The additional 20 feet will match the Buckman Bridge’s clearance and is an improvement for marine commerce in the region Counties - Clay/St. Johns As of September 2, 2022, a contractor firm has not been selected. Construction is anticipated to begin in late fall 2022 and be completed in 2029. The project is currently being procured as an Adjusted Score Design-Build contract. The Department is still in the bidding process. Sub-trade opportunities will be managed by the Prime Contractor, not the Department. *Project information, including timeline and contacts, has been obtained through public sources. The content management team continues to pursue additional details; however, the contact(s) listed have yet to disclose or confirm any information. Inquiries should be directed to the contact(s) listed.

Division 01 -	General Requirements, Vehicular Access and Parking, Traffic Control, Temporary Barriers and Enclosures.
Division 03 -	Concrete, Concrete Reinforcing, Precast Structural Concrete.
Division 05 -	Metals, Structural Steel Framing, Structural Steel for Bridges, Steel Joist Framing, Steel Joist Girder Framing.
Division 07 -	Thermal and Moisture Protection, Expansion Control.
Division 09 -	Finishes, High-Performance Coatings.
Division 10 -	Specialties, Signage, Traffic Signage.
Division 26 -	Electrical, Exterior Lighting, Lighting Poles and Standards, Roadway Lighting.
Division 31 -	Earthwork, Embankments, Erosion and Sedimentation Controls, Slope Protection, Gabions, Riprap, Special Foundations and Load-Bearing Elements, Driven Piles.
Division 32 -	Exterior Improvements, Bases, Ballasts, and Paving, Flexible Paving, Rigid Paving, Fences and Gates, Retaining Walls.
Division 34 -	Transportation, Bridges.