More than a bridge: building diversity

From ODOT-

On each project, ODOT employs
strategies to provide opportunities for small contractors and to attract, develop
and retain a skilled and diverse workforce.  

For the Willamette River Bridge project, targeted 10
percent participation by disadvantaged business enterprises and 10 percent by
minority-owned, women-owned and emerging small businesses, for a total of 20
percent DMWESB participation.
 

In addition, ODOT set aspirational
targets for the project’s workforce at 14 percent for both minorities and
women. Through March 2012, we’ve surpassed our goals in each area, achieving
15.1 percent participation by minorities and 15 percent by women.  

Using the construction manager/general
contractor delivery method for the project makes it easier for us to apply the
principles of ODOT’s Workforce Development Program. The program is designed to
expand diversity in employment and increase training resources and
opportunities for highway construction jobs throughout the state.   

ODOT chose the CM/GC
approach in part because the project’s complexity requires numerous experienced
subcontractors and a highly skilled workforce. This has been a primary reason
for the exceptional diversity achievements we’ve seen to date. 

CM/GC and its ability to
maximize DMWESB participation offers a number of benefits. DMWESB contractors
generally have a more diverse workforce, giving an even greater number of women
and minorities the opportunity to gain experience on a large bridge
construction project.  

Read more about how we’re
able to achieve this important success in an article on HubDOT.com authored by
Jim Cox, ODOT’s major projects branch assistant manager.

Wide range of skills needed to build bridges

From ODOT- It’s clear to see that construction of the new Willamette River Bridges takes a large crew, but what type of job skills are needed?



The project’s general contractor and subcontractors include a wide range of skilled workers:

• Carpenters build the work bridge and wooden falsework. 


• Ironworkers lay and tie together miles of rebar.


• Assemblers and welders build the steel structures supporting the concrete forms and install scaffolding.


• Equipment operators operate the large cranes, drilling rigs, excavators, demolition equipment, forklifts and trucks used on site.


• Concrete workers pump and pour tons of concrete and complete the finishing work. 


• Material handlers receive, store and distribute the materials needed, at just the right time, to keep the project on schedule.


• Safety personnel flag and direct traffic, put up and take down signs and barricades that keep you safe.


• Mechanics repair and service construction equipment. 


• Engineers and surveyors verify and check the plans, make needed adjustments, and mark locations for bridge components.


• Landscape specialists move soil, install plantings and minimize erosion.


• Support personnel include managers, supervisors, secretaries and others who keep the project moving. 

All of these talented workers play an important role in building beautiful bridges that are strong enough to carry traffic for the next 75 years.