A bin wall consists of a series of small bin or box like structures constructed of concrete or corrugated steel, that when placed side by side create a wall. The bins are filled with sand or a similar material, which ultimately forms a gravity retaining structure. Some of the walls are faced with a rock-like finish, as the pictures below show. Upon completing the wall, roads or other structures can be constructed on top of or adjacent to the structure.
Galvanized corrugated steel is typically used for wall construction however due to its reflective nature,
it is not allowed under most circumstances in the Tahoe Basin. Instead, "weathering steel", which lacks
reflective properties is used but deteriorates more rapidly as it is not protected from environmental
factors. The existing bin walls along US 50 have weathering steel faces that are in some cases severely
deteriorated. NDOT is currently in the process of replacing these walls between the Cave Rock Tunnels
and Kahle Drive and the replacement process should be completed by 2006. As part of the bin wall repair
projects, NDOT will also be addressing the water quality issues on US 50 within the drainage boundaries
of the bin walls.
The bin wall repair and replacement sequence is prioritized according to the each wall's structural integrity,
extent of repairs needed, construction costs, traffic impacts, right-of-way issues, and input from local
entities known as General Improvement Districts (GID's). NDOT is currently coordinating its activities with
at least 13 different GID's that may be affected as a result of replacing 9 walls.
NDOT's consultant, Washington Group International is leading the design activities for the repair and replacement of bin walls.
