Following severe flooding in 2018 that overtopped twin corrugated metal pipe culverts beneath Cole Road, the Town of Chester required a permanent solution to replace the emergency repairs and improve the long-term resilience of this critical roadway crossing. Gale provided comprehensive engineering design and construction support services to transform the temporary installation into a durable, climate-resilient stream crossing.
The project included the design of a 20-foot clear span precast concrete bridge structure with an 8-foot clear height, sized to convey the 100-year storm event while improving hydraulic capacity and reducing future flood risk. Gale also managed environmental permitting, coordinated utility relocations, secured required easements, and provided bidding and construction phase services. During construction, unforeseen utility constraints required close coordination between the project team and contractor. Working collaboratively, the team adapted the installation approach, allowing the precast bridge sections to be safely installed beneath active overhead utility lines without service interruptions. This field-driven solution maintained project momentum, enhanced job site safety, and avoided delays associated with temporary utility outages.
The completed project provides the Town with a resilient stream crossing designed to improve public safety, enhance roadway reliability, and withstand future storm events while demonstrating the value of collaborative problem-solving throughout design and construction.
