Ryegate Buried Structure

Ryegate, Vermont | Vermont Agency of Transportation

The Vermont Agency of Transportation had to replace a buried water conveyance structure that was (hydraulically) undersized and causing the rail and roadway embankments to act as a dam during moderate and large storm events. Located 70 feet below grade in some places, the existing system of metal pipes and concrete structures was in poor condition. As the lead consultant on a design-build team, DuBois & King designed an innovative system of large culverts with a daylighted section between the railroad and highway. The new culvert openings are approximately 26 feet high and 32 feet wide with a total length of 430 feet. To minimize long-term maintenance requirements and due to the cost of performing the large temporary cuts and shoring for culvert installation, the project is designed for a 100-year service life.  

Markets:

Project Elements

• Multi-section culvert system carrying rail and vehicle traffic requiring deep cuts and substantial temporary sheetpile retaining walls
• Construction value: $15.2M
• Design used membranes and a variety of corrosion-resistant rebar.

Awards

ACEC-VT Grand Award for Engineering Excellence

Sustainable Elements

Using appropriate structure sizing, a daylit section and native, natural streambed materials, the project facilitated aquatic organism passage and provided greater ease of maintenance.

  • Existing culvert to be replaced