Bridgefarmer was the Prime Consultant for the extension of Memorial Drive on new location. It included a grade separation beneath the existing BNSF railroad between cut type retaining walls, a new intersection at Town & Country Boulevard and realignment of the boulevard.

The project was completed in 3 phases:

• Phase 1 - Drainage and utility relocations

• Phase 2 - Construction of the railroad shoofly and the new railroad bridge

       over Memorial Drive

• Phase 3 - Roadway, drainage, retaining wall design, and landscaping

 

During the design process, Bridgefarmer worked closely with BNSF to

design in accordance with the railroad requirements. The railroad

agreement was expedited through careful design of at-grade shoofly, and

the clearly defined location and specifications for temporary shoring to

minimize impact upon railroad traffic. Top-down construction did not impact

railroad or highway traffic which lead to substantial cost savings since

railroad operations were not hindered. Retaining walls were designed for

top-down construction, resisting the lateral pressure from potential expansion

of over consolidated Eagle Ford shaley clays. A pump station was required, so Bridgefarmer designed one with the power to pump flow from Memorial Drive at the railroad to a gravity storm sewer system.

 

Throughout all phases of construction, Bridgefarmer served the City of The Colony by leading pre-bid meetings and construction progress meetings, reviewing pay applications, preparing amendments, reviewing submittals and shop drawings, and answering RFIs. During construction of the railroad bridge, Bridgefarmer had an inspector on-site to ensure construction compliance. While the bridge and subsequent roadway was under construction, our engineers went through the required railroad safety orientation and certification for personnel working on the site. Bridgefarmer also prepared documents for the City to use in permitting for railroad utility crossings.

 

Since the project involved two cities (The Colony and Frisco), BNSF railroad, and others, our efforts to work closely with all parties helped keep the project moving forward.