Public safety and security were driving concerns at the Iowa Army Ammunitions Plant, which resulted in Conti Federal installing 5.7 miles of security fence along the southern boundaries of the site.
Conti Federal built approximately 10 miles of permanent access roads to get materials to the high security site. The team established a 50-foot clear corridor along the entire west perimeter to provide construction access for fence installation and clear vehicle access on both the inside and outside of the fence line for security patrol. Access gates were installed in the south perimeter fence for emergency access. Site boundaries were difficult to access due to rough terrain, so three of the south crossings required large diameter box culverts weighing 44,000 pounds using a 100-ton crane during installation.
Conti Federal suspended swing gate structures across the Long Creek in alignment with the fence on both sides, as the fence could not be run through the water since it would plug up. To accomplish this, the team worked with designers to engineer crossings for 38 ravines, diverting or rerouting entire rivers, which required erosion controls and careful attention around wetlands and wildlife.
Typically a 6-month approval process, Conti Federal achieved National Environmental Policy Act approval in only 30 days.
Key features of the project included:
“Excellent field crews provided above average workmanship.”
– USACE Omaha
