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Koss Construction has completed the widening and expansion of US-69 to a four lane expressway from the north Linn County line through the junction of US-54 in Fort Scott.   This much needed system improvement provides a four lane, controlled access highway, replacing a heavily traveled and dangerous two lane roadway.  Nine separate contracts included more than ten million cubic yards of excavation as well as 40 bridges and over 1,800,000 square yards of PCCP on treated sub grade and cement treated base were completed between 2003 and 2009.

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This project, completed in 2008, included the surfacing of more than 100,000 SY of PCCP in multiple phases as well as toll booths with access tunnels, retained earth, multiple bridges and a commercial building.  The pavement included two roundabouts.  When one roundabout pour was completed from beginning to end, a manager commented that some days it feels like we are chasing our tails, today we caught it.  A challenging project to start with, made more difficult with plan changes and two very wet construction seasons.

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The reconstruction of I-35 in Carter County, OK was a challenging project that required a major commitment from Koss, our subcontractors, suppliers and the owner, the ODOT.  The task given to the Koss team was the reconstruction of 4.1 miles of heavily traveled, 4-lane roadway, under traffic in 279 days from 8:00 am, 1/2/07 to 8:00 am 10/5/07.  Because of this aggressive schedule, Koss made the conscious decision to select only highly motivated, quality-conscious subcontractors as members of their project team. All members of the project team were companies whose work records show that when things get tough their motto is “We can get it done!”  Careful management was essential to the success of the project. Failure to open the roadway to four lanes of traffic by the OU/Texas Football Weekend meant $4,000.00/lane/hour damages in lane rental fees, an amount that could reach $576,000.00 for the one weekend.  Partnering principles were employed early in this project. Well attended project meetings between Koss and the ODOT were held on the project throughout the construction season. These meetings were essential in quickly resolving problems and keeping everyone informed of the current tasks.  The schedule set for the project was difficult, the typical section, even more so.  Thirteen unique operations were required just to complete the mainline paving in each direction, including an innovative moisture barrier material never before used in Oklahoma.  That equated to nearly 107 miles of total work!  Once the rains began, they never really quit.  A total of 53 days were added to the contract in addition to the normal adverse days, but OU still played Texas on October 6, 2007.  Frustrated, but never beaten, Koss forces worked on.  The north bound was completed and traffic was switched to new lanes on 6/22/07.  Thoughts were now focused on the southbound lane and the 104 days available to complete the work.  Koss took the challenge of the south bound lanes and the knowledge of constructing the north bound lanes as an opportunity to shine, even if the sun would not.  It took 103 days, 23 hours and 27 minutes!  The challenge was not only met, it was exceeded.  Working through the final night, crews were able to complete all permanent stripe and deliver this product back to the traveling public 33 minutes ahead of the deadline!  This project mainline was paved 26’ wide.  Overall, a smoothness of 1.64 in/mi was achieved with minimal grinding only on the south bound lane. The project was completed with 95.7% of the available sections qualifying for incentive. This project is an excellent example of the challenges associated with a project with a short time frame coupled with stringent quality requirements and poor weather. All members of the team rose to the challenge and produced a high quality pavement that the citizens of Oklahoma can be proud of for many years to come.

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Since 1990, Koss Construction has completed the majority of the reconstruction of I-70 from Salina to Topeka with multiple contracts through several counties.  Work included significant grading, bridge reconstructions, drainage improvements and incidental construction.