MDOT 3D Bridge Pilot Training

MDOT’s first Digital Delivery pilot lets on August 5, 2022, and the contract documents will be a 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) model in place of a 2D plan set. To assist bidders, MDOT is providing two training sessions on the 3D model – an optional session on June 22, 2022, and a mandatory session on July 6, 2022. Free trial licenses for the 3D model viewing software are available for potential bidders.

The pilot is the reconstruction of two bridges, I-696 EB and WB over the Rouge River in the City of Southfield. The bridges are packaged within the I-696 Reconstruction from I-275 to Lahser Road in Oakland County project, which includes 8.5 miles of road reconstruction on I-696, 8 culvert structures, and 10 Capital Preventive Maintenance (CPM) bridges. Only the I-696 EB and WB over the Rouge River structures will be provided as a 3D model. All other elements of Contract ID 63101-131589 will be delivered as a traditional 2D PDF plan set.

Working from 3D bridge models is new to most bidders.  Currently two training sessions are scheduled. All contractors (or their representative if others will complete the bridge work) interested in bidding on this contract are required to attend the Mandatory Pre-Bid model training on July 6, 2022. An additional optional training session will be held on June 22, 2022, prior to contract advertisement. The purpose of the optional training session is to give potential bidders a head start with the 3D model including assistance installing 3D software, a preview of the I-696 over Rouge River files, and training on how to navigate the models. The time, date, and place of the training sessions are as follows:

Optional Training Session

Date: Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Time: 9a.m. – 12p.m.
Virtual Microsoft Teams Meeting
(Contact Marcia Yockey at YockeyM@Michigan.gov for appointment)

Mandatory Training Session
Date:   Wednesday, July 6, 2022
Time:   8a.m. – 12p.m. (Mandatory)
1p.m. – 4p.m. (Optional for additional assistance with software only)
Hybrid Meeting:
Virtual Microsoft Teams Meeting OR In-Person at
MDOT Metro Region Office
18101 West Nine Mile Road
Southfield, MI 48075
(Contact Marcia Yockey at YockeyM@Michigan.gov for appointment)

Free trial licenses for the 3D model viewing software are available for potential bidders. To view the contract documents, bidders are encouraged to use OpenRoads Designer (ORD). Contact Marcia Yockey at YockeyM@Michigan.gov to receive a trial license that can be utilized through the bidding process until project letting in August 2022.