The State of Delaware has more than 200 locations throughout the state where bridge-length corrugated metal pipe culverts are corroding and are in need of replacement. In most of these locations, the corrugated metal pipes are at or beyond their expected life. DelDOT decided to use the design/build method to expedite replacement of a group of these culverts with new reinforced concrete pipes. With the design/build method, a team comprised of a construction firm and an engineering firm agrees to perform all the work necessary to complete the engineering design process as well as the construction process while adhering to all of DelDOT’s standards and requirements. Navarro & Wright (N&W) teamed with Zack Excavating Inc. of Smyrna, Delaware to win the competition that resulted in the award of a 4-year contract to complete culvert replacements at 28 locations throughout Delaware. The majority of the locations are in Sussex and Kent Counties. N&W is providing all engineering services necessary to get the different culverts designed and prepared for construction. This includes surveying, preliminary design, H&H studies, permitting, geotechnical engineering where necessary, maintenance of traffic, and final design.
This Design-Build contract is currently on-going and is expected to be completed during 2021.