Helping traffic flow

Under construction literally just outside the windows of the five-story Rinker Materials corporate headquarters building in West Palm Beach, Florida, is a massive new interchange that will provide direct access from Interstate 95 to the Palm Beach International Airport. The project, started nearly four years ago, is expected to wrap up later this year.

The US$112 million project consists of more than 100,000 cubic yards (76455.5 cubic meters) of concrete and includes widening I-95, a new interchange, eight segmental structures and six conventional structures, a total of 14 new bridges. The new configuration will eliminate traffic congestion and reroute truck and airport traffic from the arterial roadways.

A unique feature of the project is that much of the 1.8 mile (2.88 km) stretch had to be raised. One of the flyover ramps is the highest bridge span in Palm Beach County, topping out at 75 feet (about 23 meters).

The Rinker Materials Southern Boulevard and Lake Worth plants provided concrete for the precast segments and cast-in-place production. Because of the massive size and weight, each precast segment was transported to the jobsite one at a time. The segments were then post-tension cabled and grouted together during assembly. Rinker Materials’ role, as the project nears completion, includes finish-up concrete and deck work.

More than a pretty face

The Rinker Materials Georgia Quarries Division has been recognised for its efforts in plant beautification by the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s (NSSGA) About Face Program. The Montgomery Sand Mine, located near Mount Vernon, Georgia, was awarded the First Step Award, and the Union Sand Mine, located near Jesup, Georgia, was awarded a Showplace Award for Beautification. Florida’s Brooksville Quarry also won a Showplace Award for Beautification.

The efforts have given Rinker Materials the opportunity to be recognised on a national scale.

The About Face Program is the NSSGA’s oldest awards program. This nationally acclaimed program recognises and rewards aggregate producers that have made constructive and positive efforts to enhance the aesthetic appearance of their operations. The About Face Program has received a Special Merit Award from the nationally respected Keep America Beautiful organisation, and has also been accorded with the highest honour in the U.S. Department of Interior’s Take Pride in America Program.