Sterling Construction Company’s subsidiary Ralph L Wadsworth Construction Company (RLW)  has secured a new contract from the Utah Department of Transportation (UDoT) to widen the westbound section of I-80 from Jeremy Ranch to Summit Park in the US.

Under the $18m project, RLW will add a 2.57-mile passing lane to improve traffic flow and safety.

Works also include rehabilitating the eastbound and westbound structures of I-80 near Jeremy Ranch, as well as the installation of a new drainage system and a new brake check area.

Sterling Construction CEO Joe Cutillo said: “This award further strengthens our backlog in the Utah region, and will showcase RLW’s expertise in bridge building, and highway rehabilitation.

“The widening of I-80 is a critical step towards enhancing driver safety as this portion of the road is very steep and has a high-volume of long-haul trucks.”

“The widening of I-80 is a critical step towards enhancing driver safety as this portion of the road is very steep and has a high-volume of long-haul trucks.”

RLW will also construct a 322ft long wildlife bridge spanning over I-80 west of Summit Park to ensure safe passage of wildlife in the area.

Cutillo added: “This stretch of I-80 frequently has large animals crossing the freeway, putting both drivers and wildlife at risk.

“The bridge will include a comprehensive aesthetic package which attempts to blend the structure into the natural surroundings. Once connected to the existing wildlife fence, this project will ultimately reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions.”

The overall project is expected to be completed in eight months from the commencement of construction works expected to begin this year.

Last month, RLW secured a contract to reconstruct and rehabilitate approximately 14 miles of I-15 in Salt Lake County, Utah.