Esplanade Site Development Montgomery Locks & Dam
AGENCY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
LOCATION: Monanca, Pennsylvania
SIZE: $3,620,747
PRIME: AACON General Contractors
AWARD DATE: April 2023
COMPLETION: ACTIVE
The Department of the Army, Pittsburgh District, Corps of Engineers awarded AACON the Esplanade Site Development Montgomery Locks & Dam project as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside. Notice to proceed was given on May 25, 2023. This project involves installing a roughly 2,900-square-foot Resident Engineer’s Office along with associated and miscellaneous site utilities.
Site Preparation: AACON is overseeing the trenching activities conducted by the Site Utilities contractor, ensuring these operations are supporting the electrical scope effectively. Trenching activities are taking place through various materials such as concrete, asphalt, and land. The site work team is providing all necessary trenching for the electrical contractor and installing manholes.
Work Features: AACON’S electrical team is connecting the power supply of the existing structure. Concurrently, they are linking to the existing low-voltage networks for data, telecommunications, and the fire alarm system. The project also includes updating and replacing the gate access to restore its functionality, with all tie-ins aimed at providing power to the new structures and the job trailer setup. Dive work is being conducted for the tie-ins necessary for the fire suppression and potentially water lines, which extend out into the water. This is critical for ensuring the existing trailer and future facilities have access to essential utilities.
Asphalt and aggregate activities are underway, focusing on paving any areas affected by trenching. Additionally, a gravel parking lot is being set up behind the trailer. The existing asphalt pad, deemed suitable for the modular building, is unlikely to be replaced unless specified by the government. Concrete work and concrete saw cutting are ongoing in areas where utility lines need installation or rerouting. This is essential for laying down the infrastructure for utilities across the site.
Sixty-four steel I-beams that had previously been used to support trees are no longer needed. These beams will be removed and the fencing around these areas and along the lock wall up to the gate is being taken down. Miscellaneous metal installations, including bollards and fencing, are also in progress to enhance safety and security on site.
Throughout these operations, AACON is mindful of the ongoing activities of two other contracts in the vicinity, though not in the exact location. Despite the concurrent projects, the Montgomery Locks and Dam remains open and fully functional. Specific days have been designated for the diving work to minimize disruptions. Measures such as laying steel plates over trenches are being taken to maintain traffic flow through the parking area, ensuring no interruption to vehicular movement across the site, without the need for additional traffic control measures.
