In a landmark project for the City of Olathe, Kansas, Ames eliminated nearly half of the at-grade road crossings over railroad tracks as part of a downtown revitalization program. This project included the removal of four of the busiest crossings in the state.
The project was the first in the United States to use the Swiss-designed, full panel (5-by-20-feet) precast Evergreen Wall System. This construction attracted many European visitors who were interested in Ames methodologies and production, which quickly ramped up to average 30 segments per day.
Crews were challenged daily to maintain consistent production for the wall and backfill crews. Heavy train activity through the area required significant traffic control on every access point to the work areas. Loaded trucks and cranes snaked slowly through the surrounding neighborhoods, dodging obstacles to safely reach the site.
With improved access to downtown Olathe, local businesses have flourished.
Markets: Railroad, Grade Separations
Location: Olathe, Kansas
Client: City of Olathe
Completion Date: July 2008
Services:
- Structural steel
- Structural concrete
- Pipe installation
Details:
- 231,351 cubic yards of earthwork
- 153,420 square feet of precast retaining walls
2009 Public Works Project of the Year
American Public Works Association, Kansas City Metro Chapter
