The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) commissioned W.W. Clyde & Co. to reconstruct the intersection of US-6 and Main Street in Helper, Utah, into a grade-separated interchange. UDOT determined a need to improve the intersection because of an increasing number of vehicle crashes at the intersection in its original at-grade configuration. The project called for the construction of a grade-separated interchange with new on- and off-ramps, utility relocations, and many other items of work. The reconstructed interchange allows motorists on US-6 to drive over Main Street on the new structure, while vehicles on Main Street proceed through town and across Main Street on an at-grade road.

During construction, pedestrian access was maintained along roadways and trails, compliance was met following the restrictions for avian breeding seasons, and W.W. Clyde monitored and controlled vibrations for sensitive and historical structures. The local city government and residents were originally opposed to the project, but with genuine compassion and concern, the team converted them to be advocates of the project.

Originally bid as Phase I of a two-phase project, UDOT issued a change order mid-way through the project, awarding W.W. Clyde Phase II, which was completed concurrently with Phase I. Phase II called for the project team to widen a partially constructed two-lane bridge to its final configuration of four lanes, constructing the bridge in sections. The project incorporated more than 53,000 square feet of retaining wall, including cast-in-place concrete coping on the top of all walls.

This project received several awards including UDOT’s Best Partnered Large Project of the Year award (2007) and the AGC of Utah Highway Project of the Year award (2007).