Insituform Technologies Project in River Rouge, Mich., Receives Statewide Award

The American Public Works Association (APWA) Michigan Chapter has named the City of River Rouge’s Dwight Street sewer rehabilitation project "Project of the Year." St. Louis-based Insituform Technologies, Inc. was the primary contractor for the project. The award will be presented at the APWA Michigan Chapter meeting in May.

The project will now be entered into the APWA’s national competition in the "Structures Less than $2 Million" category. The awards program recognizes companies that demonstrate good construction management techniques, ability to meet schedules, safety performance, community relations, environmental protection, unusual accomplishments, and additional value.

The River Rouge project included the rehabilitation of 15,740 feet of a 1930s-vintage, 66-inch diameter brick sewer in a flood-prone area where nearby homes had required costly repairs after sustaining flood damage.

Insituform worked within a fast-track schedule required to obtain Environmental Protection Agency grant funding. The original schedule extended from July 1 through September 1, 2004. Working 24 hours a day in two 12-hour shifts, Insituform completed the project two weeks ahead of schedule, in mid-August. The early completion produced a savings of more than $30,000 from the original project budget of $986,383.

Insituform’s leadership on the job included Ken Quillen, project manager, and Sam Vartanian, general superintendent and site manager. In addition to the city of River Rouge, its managing agency, Geomanagement LLC, and Insituform, the project team included engineering firm Tetra Tech and the Wayne County Department of Environment.

Source: Insituform Technologies, Inc.