SR 193 is a major east/west corridor in Northern Utah that connects Hill Air Force Base and the Freeport Center (Clearfield, Utah’s major industrial park) to Interstate 15. The Freeport Center is located on the Union Pacific Rail Road and houses many business that service Hill Air Force Base and the surrounding community. Between the Freeport Center and Hill Air Force Base was a railroad crossing that caused significant safety concerns and traffic delays which prompted the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) to construct an overpass in this location.
This particular location for an overpass required a technical retaining wall solution as the ramps would be tall enough to clear any rail traffic below while not impacting business property right along the existing roadway.
Due to the soils on the site, settlement was a major concern. In order to compensate for potential settlement the Mesa Block retaining wall system was selected. This system utilizes concrete masonry units connected to a geo-grid material by a patented connector. The aesthetics and construction with concrete masonry units is more conducive to potential settlement than the use of traditional MSE wall systems.
Construction of this massive structure was completed in an amazing four months. Part of that time included weeks of surcharge on the ramps before the wall could be completed. The structure included three travel ramps, two of which were curved. The retain walls on these ramps reached 31 feet tall. Two different styles of concrete masonry units where used to create a pleasing finish. Straight Split block have a rough split face look but have a minimal joint gap. Tri Plane or Radius Block with three face surfaces create a radius look and were used to give the wall diversity. Once the wall was constructed, concrete pavement was placed to complete this sustainable traffic facility.
The SR 193 UPRR Overpass utilized an innovative retain wall system founded on sustainable concrete masonry units made with Portland-limestone cement. This was the exact system need for specific location and soil make-up. The resulting massive structure is an aesthetically pleasing facility that will last long into the future.
