Otter Tail Valley Railroad Structure Replacements

Background

Americana Estates had been experiencing flooding problems as a result of recent flood events and poor flood control protection. By installing outlet pipes along Ditch 47, flood control protection was offered at a reduced cost over other costly alternatives. Ditch 47 provided a natural outlet for flooding relief.

The Project

More than 400 feet of reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) were installed through the railroad bed by the jack and bore method. Pipe sizes ranged from 24-inch up to 60-inch. Stainless steel flap gates manufactured by Fontaine were installed on all pipes to prevent backflow. Small existing pipes were grouted and left in place. The entire project was completed with only minor interruption to railroad traffic during the bridge removal process. Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI) worked closely with Clay County, the Buffalo-Red River Watershed District, and the Canadian Pacific Railroad to install the flood protection measures and minimize the impacts to the railroad. After the existing railroad bridge was removed, all other structures were installed by the jack and bore method, which translated into no railroad delays during a period (late fall) when train traffic is at a high for the year. Total project cost was just under $250,000.