To enable a new lead track into Indiana Sugars’ future rail yard while safely crossing four buried gas pipelines, we delivered an integrated civil, rail, structural, and survey solution. We advanced the concept through schematic design with cost, schedule, and safety at the forefront; engineered a buried bridge that could be constructed quickly with minimal utility disturbance; and coordinated a design‑build approach to meet the accelerated opening date.

KEY CONTRIBUTIONS:

Integrated Planning & Alternatives
Our team developed and compared structure alternatives during concept/schematic design, quantifying cost, construction duration, and safety impacts to identify the most viable path forward.

Structural Bridge Design
We designed prestressed concrete beams for the buried bridge system to carry rail loads across the existing utility pipelines without imposing additional risk.

Survey & Utility Coordination
Our team provided survey services throughout design and pre‑construction and coordinated closely with utility owners to confirm locations, clearances, and protection measures.

Construction Sequencing & Methods
We established an expedited construction sequence that avoids disturbance to active utilities, specifying low‑vibration foundation installation to further reduce risk around the pipelines and overhead lines.

Subconsultant Collaboration
We led structural design‑build coordination with our substructure partners, REN Engineering and ESCA Engineering, aligning deliverables and schedules to keep the program on track.

Design‑Build Facilitation
Our team worked with Indiana Sugars to structure a design‑build contract that streamlined reviews and approvals, helping ensure the required opening date was achieved.

Regulatory Compliance & Lifecycle
We are assisting Indiana Sugars in developing the FRA‑required Bridge Management Program to support inspection, maintenance, and long‑term compliance.

Outcome
We connected the Wisconsin Central Ltd. main track to the proposed rail yard with a buried bridge solution that protects the existing gas pipelines while meeting the client’s accelerated schedule.