A
flood resulting from heavy rainfall occurred in February
2005 at the Gila River West Fork leaving the road
sub-merged and resulting in severe damage to the roadway. The
damage occurred to a significant highway linkage to the
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument that is a tourist
recreation spot and camp grounds so reopening of NM15 was
essential.
The strategy
was aimed to progressively rebuild the road and the roadway
shoulder, and improve the river infrastructure with an
anticipated reopening by May 26, 2006. Revetment walls
were to be utilized on the river bank protecting the aesthetics
of the
natural environment. NMDOT District One Sealing crew began
work on roadway epairs on February 15th. The first phase
of the project came to an end on May 26 after the road was
paved, both lanes reopened and NM15 traffic was once again
running smoothly.
The second
phase was the installment of the revetment walls. These
walls are flood control barriers that are an effective
tool for flood protection and are affordable, safe and
easy to install. The Sealing Crew installed 68 walls that
were laid from the edge of the bridge and around the curve
for 750 ft. For expedient placement the Sealing Crew developed
a fabricated laying tool which they invented for easy,
effective placement of the walls. The innovative placement
of the revetment system occurred between November 21, 2005
and April 12, 2006.
Maintaining
vegetation and scenic settings was also a high priority.
The crew supported conservation of scenic settings
at the Gila River for the native wildlife, landscape, rock
gardens, native plants and natural land and avoided or minimized
any impact to the area.
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