Major Utility Relocation for a Multi-Phase Interstate Project in Sioux City, Iowa

The Interstate-29 (I-29) Utility Replacement project involved major utility relocation including interceptor sewer, water main, storm sewer, fiber, and lighting. The project was closely coordinated with the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) and phasing of the I-29 Segment 2 roadway project along the Missouri River near Downtown Sioux City, Iowa. This paper will discuss the need for a majority of the sanitary sewer and water utilities to be relocated because the IDOT no longer allows City utilities to run parallel to the Interstate. The projects were staged to precede the various roadway bid packages. The City costs are nearly $50 million and several funding sources have been utilized. One of the most valuable lessons that this project illustrated is the opportunities that can be achieved when the owner, engineer and contractors can collaborate and engage in solutions that present mutual benefits for all parties.