River Ridge Commerce Center – Jeffersonville, IN
Completed in 2021
MAC Construction completed the INDOT Heavy Haul Road, establishing a direct freight connection between the River Ridge Commerce Center and the Port of Indiana–Clark Maritime Center.
The project enhances regional freight mobility through construction of new heavy-duty roadway infrastructure, a three-span bridge, and associated drainage systems – supporting industrial growth and long-term economic development within the River Ridge corridor.
Impact & Purpose
The completed roadway immediately began supporting streamlined industrial freight movement in one of Southern Indiana’s fastest-growing industrial regions.
- Established a direct freight corridor between River Ridge and the Port of Indiana
- Improved heavy truck access and industrial logistics efficiency
- Strengthened regional economic development infrastructure
- Enhanced long-term freight capacity and transportation reliability
Project Scope
- Construction of 7,800 LF of heavy-duty roadway
- 2,400 LF of tie-in access roads
- 480-foot three-span bridge structure
- Installation of multiple precast box culverts
- 225,000+ cubic yards of earthwork and rock excavation
- Placement of more than 30,000 tons of asphalt
- Temporary bridge construction to maintain phased construction access
Technical Complexity
The project presented significant site, access, and structural challenges requiring continuous coordination and field-driven decision-making. Extensive safety planning addressed crane operations, aerial work platforms, fall protection, and heavy haul logistics. Detailed lift planning and proactive hazard mitigation were major parts of this project.
The project was delivered on schedule despite evolving field conditions and complex coordination requirements.
Key complexities included:
- Identification of soft subgrade soils not reflected in the owner-provided geotechnical data, requiring evaluation and implementation of cement stabilization
- Differing site conditions requiring redesign of bridge foundation systems
- Delayed site access due to property acquisition and utility relocations
- Multi-crane placement of modified precast bulb-tee beams using detailed lift plans
- Construction of a temporary bridge to maintain uninterrupted construction sequencing
- Steep-grade hauling operations combined with high-volume earthwork management
- Coordination of more than 60 subcontractors and suppliers
- Continuous coordination with INDOT and the design team to address evolving field conditions and maintain project progress
