Background

Cleveland Ohio’s Progressive Field has hosted the Guardians’ home games since 1994. After having worked with Independence Excavating Inc. on a past project in Arkansas, the United Rentals Matting Solutions team was recruited to provide support for “the biggest construction project at Progressive Field since the ballpark opened nearly 30 years ago” via high-quality access mats.

The Problem

Protecting Progressive Field During the Course of a Major Renovation

This off-season transformation of Progressive Field called for large and heavy machinery, and this substantial equipment required safe and reliable access to the construction site throughout the duration of the project.

In particular, two massive cranes would need access to the field over the course of about two months to complete the large-scale renovation.

The Solution

The Hickory Highway Sets the Stage for Maximum Mobility

The primary responsibility of United Rentals Matting Solutions for this project was establishing a temporary access road using various ground protection mats to support and transport the large cranes efficiently and safely. The surface of the access mats defined the work platforms on which crews and construction equipment would operate.

According to News 5 Cleveland, the crews needed to remove and transport a lot of concrete in and out of the site. This work is carried out by cranes so big that the turf had to be removed from the field so a temporary roadway composed primarily of giant timbers could be built. The United Rentals Matting Solutions team supplied an array of construction mats made of wood to reinforce the soft ground of the field. This makeshift matting solution, designed and sourced by United Rentals Matting Solutions, was appropriately dubbed the “Hickory Highway”.

Although transitory, the solution was extensive, consisting of 275 timber mats, plus 4 transition mats (similar to ramps,) and a handful of other access mat varieties (for example: 3-ply laminated mats). The specialized combination of construction mats allowed for the smooth transport of heavy-duty materials and machinery without damaging the field’s foundation and minimized safety risks.

The Results

Construction Mats Lay the Foundation for Progressive Field Facelift

The planning and execution of this project were ultimately a success, and the renovation was completed by the opening day deadline. All shipping and delivery of construction mats occurred on time with no delays. The procurement team performed well overall and didn’t run into any major hurdles.

Key Metrics:

• Outstanding service on a previous small-scale project prompted the client to request our expertise by name.
• Our teams successfully delivered hundreds of construction mats to fit the client’s specific project plan.
• We laid the foundation and helped to support the biggest construction project in the ballpark’s history.

The Future

United Rentals Matting Solutions Supplies Ballpark-Sized Support for Construction Projects of All Sizes

Not every construction project is necessarily going to be newsworthy or rake in millions of dollars in revenue. However, even small-scale projects, like the one initially executed with Independence Excavating Inc. in Arkansas, can lead to huge opportunities like our job at Progressive Field.

Construction mats play a crucial role in facilitating successful project execution. The Guardians’ Ballpark Improvement project is just one of many examples illustrating the necessary role that crane mats play in completing construction projects safely, on time, and within budget.

Plus, we’re pleased to share that we currently have another project in the works with Independence, further showing the power of stellar service and unmatched expertise in ground support for crane stabilization. To optimize access for your next construction project with equipment mats, be sure to request a quote anytime.