MEI was recently featured in an article titled “Protective Solutions Span Railway Overpass” for our work on the US75 railway bridge project. NACE Infrastructure Insights Magazine detailed the enormity of the project and the challenges that were faced. Here is a summary of the article:

Protective Solutions Span Railway Overpass – Article Summary

Plano, Texas, located just north of Dallas, is a vibrant city home to major businesses like Frito-Lay, Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group, and Cinemark movie theaters. With a population of around 286,000, Plano thrives on its extensive transportation network, which includes both air and ground routes, facilitating the global movement of people and goods. A significant contributor to this network is the Kansas City Southern (KCS) Railway, which operates a critical freight section over Interstate 75 in Plano.

Essential Overpass Update

To ensure the continued smooth transport of goods, the Texas Department of Transportation initiated a project to update the rail overpass in Plano. This involved replacing two spans on either side of a center span to maintain the rail’s operational integrity. Mobile Enterprises Inc. (MEI) was tasked with this challenging project, which had to be completed within a tight four-day timeframe for each span.

Unforeseen Challenges

The project began with a significant surprise. The MEI team discovered that the substrate was weathered steel, a material that requires a much longer time to blast clean. Derek Scheiblich, MEI’s VP of Field Operations, noted that this unexpected substrate increased the time and materials needed for the project significantly. The crew used Black Beauty coal slag for blasting, and had to frequently resupply using flatbed trucks.

Overcoming Operational Constraints

The work site posed additional challenges due to its limited access. The crew had to maneuver their equipment into a narrow median between the road and freeway, while also managing the risk of overspray from the open containment area. Despite these obstacles, the team pressed on, sandblasting the entire steel deck and side walls while coordinating closely with the general contractor (GC) to manage space and safety concerns.

Around-the-Clock Effort

The project demanded continuous effort, particularly during the sandblasting phase. Team members worked tirelessly in shifts to keep the process moving, even with the coating manufacturer’s representative joining in to expedite the work. Rain delays were managed efficiently, and the team used Bridge Preservation’s Multi-Use Primer FAST, applying it thinly and precisely to meet the project’s specifications.

Successful Completion Through Teamwork

After completing the east span, the team faced another challenge when the new section didn’t fit perfectly, requiring additional adjustments. Despite this setback, MEI’s flexible approach and the GC’s problem-solving efforts enabled the project to proceed. The west span was completed more smoothly, thanks to the lessons learned from the east span.

The success of this project highlights the dedication and resilience of the MEI team. Their ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges and work efficiently under pressure ensured the timely completion of the overpass repairs. This project underscores the importance of meticulous planning, teamwork, and the willingness to innovate in the face of adversity, keeping Plano’s transportation infrastructure robust and reliable.