Minnesota DOT Highway 52 (ROC 52) Design-Build

Fluor, Ames Construction, and Edward Kraemer & Sons Construction formed a consortium named Zumbro River Constructors LLC (ZRC).

ZRC was awarded the contract to design and construct the $236.6 million, 11-mile highway improvement of ROC 52 in Rochester, Minnesota.

The ROC 52 Project was the first design-build highway contract let in Minnesota and the largest best-value highway contract procured in the state's history.

Client's Challenge

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) had the task of improving the 11-mile highway known as ROC 52. MnDOT stipulated a five-year construction duration and required that MnDOT design guidelines be followed for the project.

The ROC 52 project included widening the four-lane freeway to six lanes in each direction. Construction would include 27 bridges, including temporary and pedestrian bridges. Nine interchanges were also to be constructed.

Fluor's Solution

ZRC followed the design criteria and guidelines set forth by MnDOT during design and construction of the ROC 52 project.

In addition to the new lanes and bridges, other project features included detention ponds, noise and retaining walls, traffic signals, lighting, signage, pavement parking, and an intelligent transportation system.

During the project, ZRC maintained an active community outreach program to assist local motorists by providing up-to-date information about construction activities and progress.

Conclusion

The ZRC team, with Fluor as the managing member, opened the highway to traffic several months ahead of the five-year construction duration stipulated by MnDOT.

The ROC 52 project received the Project of the Year Award for Transportation Projects over $100 million from the American Public Works Association in 2006.

This award recognized the excellence in partnering among the managing agency, the consultant / engineer, and the contractor, in working together to complete the public works projects.

“Remarkable describes the news this week that work on the U.S. 52 could be wrapped up a full year ahead of schedule” – Rochester Post Bulletin Editorial, July 14, 2005.