THE ASK
In 2001, members of CDOT identified a need for a sand storage facility along Interstate 70’s Vail Pass, a 10,662-foot-high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado. Often treacherously icy in the wintertime, Vail Pass requires frequent applications of traction sand throughout the season to ensure safer travel for drivers. CDOT wanted a durable, spacious facility to store this sand in order to keep it dry and easily accessible for use along the pass. The department turned to Sprung for a fast, cost-effective and reliable solution.
HOW SPRUNG DELIVERED
THE SPECS
Sprung designed and delivered a 120’ x 130’ sand-storage structure engineered to meet—and exceed—international building codes for snow and wind loads. Sitting atop a concrete foundation, the structure, nicknamed the Sand Box by CDOT workers, holds 9,500 tons of sand, which is easily accessible to highway maintenance trucks via a 20’ x 30’ rolling service door.
Built in 2001, the Sand Box remains in excellent condition more than 20 years later and continues to play an important role in keeping the I-70 safe for drivers along Vail Pass. Thanks to this Sprung structure, CDOT has been able to protect its sand supply from the elements, which, in turn, helps the department reduce its sand use and wastage each winter season.
- 120’ wide x 130’ long
- Concrete wall foundation
- 20’ wide x 30’ high rolling service door
