Full-Depth Reclamation of Three Bridges Road in Wabash County, Illinois

Project Recap: Full-Depth Reclamation of Three Bridges Road in Wabash County, Illinois

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Mount Carmel Stabilization Group recently completed a critical full-depth reclamation project on County Road 400, commonly known as Three Bridges Road, in Wabash County, Illinois. Spanning just under two and a half miles, this project was particularly challenging due to the presence of three bridges along the route, requiring meticulous planning and precision execution.

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The Challenge

Three Bridges Road is a vital artery in Wabash County, enduring heavy truck traffic from the local agriculture and oilfield industries. Over time, the road had deteriorated significantly, suffering from deep ruts, potholes, and poor drainage, making it increasingly difficult to navigate. The road’s original construction—a standard Illinois county road with a basic aggregate base and oil-and-chip surface—was no longer sufficient to withstand the demands placed on it.

Moreover, the road traverses a floodplain, with the underlying silty clay soil prone to water retention. The existing roadway was not just cracked and uneven but also vulnerable to flooding, compounding the damage over time. The presence of three bridges along this stretch added another layer of complexity, as the project required seamless transitions between the road and the bridge structures without causing any damage.

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The Solution

Mount Carmel Stabilization Group approached this project with a custom-engineered solution, avoiding the "one-size-fits-all" approach often seen in standard road treatments.

The project began with a pre-pulverization of the existing roadway material down to a depth of 12 inches. This initial step was essential to blend the deteriorated road materials with the underlying subgrade, creating a stable base for the next phase. Following this, a 16-inch deep treatment was applied in a single pass. This treatment provided the necessary strength to support the roadway under heavy traffic conditions and resist the challenges posed by the local soil and frequent flooding.

Mount Carmel's solution not only addressed the surface issues but also ensured that the road could effectively shed water, reducing the risk of future damage. This robust treatment approach allowed the road to "float" over the waterlogged subgrade, offering long-term durability.

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The Impact

This project holds particular significance for the Mount Carmel team, as many of the workers and subcontractors live in the surrounding area and use this road daily. Their personal connection to the project gave them an opportunity to showcase the exceptional quality that they consistently apply throughout the United States. The care and dedication shown in this project reflect Mount Carmel's commitment to providing top-tier solutions, whether working locally or on projects hundreds of miles away.

By the end of the week-long project, the road was not only restored but significantly enhanced, providing a smooth and durable driving surface that is expected to serve the community for many years to come. The innovative approach also resulted in significant cost savings compared to traditional methods, which would have required extensive excavation and replacement of the underlying soil.

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Conclusion

Mount Carmel Stabilization Group's work on Three Bridges Road is a case study in how we approach partnering with our customers to build tailored engineering solutions for every single project we place our name on. By understanding the unique challenges of this road and applying innovative techniques, the team delivered a project that meets the highest standards of quality and durability, ensuring safe and reliable passage for all who travel this vital route.

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Click Here for more information about the process of Full Depth Reclamation