Azar Design Co was retained by Saratoga County to provide services for the removal of the existing concrete structure and excavation for a new 13’ long three-sided precast concrete span.

Located in the Town of Moreau, Spier Falls Road provides access to the Brookfield Hydroelectric Dam which is located approximately 850 feet north of the project location. The culvert was deteriorating; there were areas of concrete spalls and cracks in the roof of the culvert and upstream wingwalls, deterioration of the facias and headwalls, and the gabion wingwalls appeared to be leaning.

When consulted Brookfield was insistent that Spier Falls Road be always open to traffic, which meant stage construction was the only possibility. The actual work location itself also was challenging in that it was nestled between the Hudson River and Moreau Lake State Park, with steep mountainous granite slopes on the East side of the road and the Hudson River on the West side.

Azar surveyed the project area and evaluated wetland-upland boundaries based on a three-parameter approach of vegetation, soil, and hydrology assessments within a 100-ft. buffer zone on either side of the proposed culvert replacement. To expedite the project, we utilized handheld GPS in lieu of a traditional survey. Additionally, Azar provided environmental research services and consultations to assist in the preparation of environmental permitting.

The preliminary and final plans, specifications, and estimates, as well as standard construction administration services, were performed by Azar’s engineers. No original plans for the culvert were available, and the county wished to reuse the substructure and replace only the ceiling. Coordination in the manufacturing of the precast slab was critical as the backlog for the precast queue was significant. Ultimately the contract was completed early and under budget.