In today’s fast-paced construction landscape, the ability to adapt and accelerate project timelines is crucial. VHB's innovative Early Release for Construction (ERC) packages are transforming the way projects are delivered by streamlining processes, reducing costs, and enhancing collaboration between designers and contractors. By prioritizing the early release of construction elements, VHB empowers design-build (DB) partners, projects, and clients to begin construction even before designs are finalized. This forward-thinking approach accelerates schedules and encourages effective teamwork, as demonstrated by recent successes on major highways like I-95 in Rhode Island and the Massachusetts Turnpike. Through seamless coordination with our DB partners, VHB’s ERC solutions contribute to infrastructure projects meeting and exceeding expectations in timeliness and efficiency.
RIDOT, Bridge Group 04_R
As lead designer, VHB has completed more than 30 ERC packages for this ongoing DB megaproject in just 12 months, including packages for advanced utilities, temporary ramps, demolition, structural steel, foundation piles, temporary roadway works, and more. Our ERC solutions saved critical time by enabling the contractor, Skanska, to put initial traffic controls in place and begin construction on 13 of the 19 bridge rehabilitations/reconstructions while VHB was still finalizing designs and securing the now-approved Freshwater Wetlands permit. They also allowed Skanska to begin demolitions before knowing the full scope of design.
MassDOT, I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements
To mitigate the risk of schedule delays, VHB employed three ERC packages to procure long-lead items for bridge construction during the I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements project, benefitting the project timeline. VHB developed ERC solutions to secure the bridge steel needed to jumpstart construction and avoid schedule hurdles. Additionally, we coordinated with our contractor partners at Barletta Heavy Division, Inc. to develop an ERC plan for the ramp connecting I-90 eastbound to I-495 northbound in Hopkinton, which helped them adhere to their construction staging schedule.
RIDOT, Route 146 (Louisquisset Pike) Bridge over Route 116 (George Washington Highway)
VHB was the lead designer on the DB team that reconstructed the Louisquisset Pike Bridge in Lincoln, Rhode Island, with new two-span steel girder bridge replacements. The interchange improvements in VHB’s design removed and realigned the northbound and southbound ramps to improve operational safety. VHB collaborated with our contractor partner, Aetna Bridge, to establish an ERC package for bridge superstructure steel and bearings to help them overcome potential schedule delays. VHB also developed an ERC plan for the project’s temporary westbound exit ramp crossover to facilitate traffic flow around the bridge construction activities. Finally, we created an ERC package for full construction of the northbound bridge while design was simultaneously happening on the southbound bridge, which expedited the project timeline.
VHB remains committed to being an excellent DB collaborator to our contractor partners. Through seamless coordination between design and construction, VHB continues to streamline project delivery and find the right solutions.
Learn how VHB is a leader in delivering complex transportation DB projects.
