Stormwater Culvert - Sunset Blvd. Town of Schererville, IN

The Town of Schererville hired NIES Engineering to design a replacement for a stormwater culvert crossing at Sunset Blvd. A 36" reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) and 30" corrugated metal pipe (CMP) were originally used to cross the road and were starting to cause problems. The 30" CMP had been rusting and had contributed to several sink holes in the street.

The design required the removal of the culverts and replacement with three 36" high density polyethylene (HDPE) culverts, sized to meet a 100 yr. storm event. It was originally intended that the project would commence in the fall of 2007.

However, on August 30, 2007, the roadway collapsed from the failure of the 30" CMP. The road was immediately closed and emergency repair began. NIES Engineering negotiated annual service contracts with sub-contractors - saving the client money and ensuring a rapid construction schedule. Work commenced immediately with NIES Engineering providing oversight as well as survey staking services when needed.

The culverts were replaced within two weeks and the road bed was raised to prevent flooding during heavy storm events. In addition, concrete curb and gutter was installed to channel the road runoff, the entire job site was repaved and sod was installed.

Street Reconstruction - Joliet Street, Town of Schererville, IN

In order to promote a thriving downtown commercial area, the Town of Schererville recognized the need to update the aging infrastructure of their historical business district.

NIES Engineering, Inc. provided surveying, design and construction services for this demanding project. It was essential to maintain customer access to multiple business premises throughout construction. NIES Engineering, Inc. worked with local officials, Town staff and business owners to ensure minimal disruption during the busy holiday season.

This fast-track project included removal of existing 7" reinforced concrete pavement, installation of storm sewers, concrete curb and gutter, and 8' wide sidewalks and construction of a typical street cross section. NIES Engineering, Inc. worked closely with the Town of Schererville to choose decorative lighting fixtures, and banners to create a finished product which is both functional, attractive and in keeping with the history of the district.

Key Points

• Fast-Track Design
• Environmentally Aware
• Innovative Funding

Local Street Reconstruction - Austin Avenue, Town of Schererville, IN

NIES Engineering was selected as Project Engineer for the Design and Construction Inspectors of the Street Reconstruction and Resurfacing Project of Austin Avenue for highway U.S. 30 to 77th Avenue.

The project consisting of new curbs, sidewalks, driveways, aprons, storm sewers, water main replacement, full depth asphalt pavement replacement and an asphalt mill and overlay. This roadway required many upgrades and was a high candidate for roadway and infrastructure improvements.

The water main has been fully replaced in order to eliminate the failing water system which burdened residents and the town with water main breaks. The water main replacement was from the North side of U.S. 30, which required a bore and jack to cross U.S. 30, to the North edge of an existing subdivision. The storm sewer collection system has been fully upgraded within the reconstruction area. The South intersection of Austin Avenue at U.S. 30 has been widened to introduce and additional turn lane for North bound travelers to turn East onto U.S. 30. The final product providing residents with a smooth driving surface, effective storm water drainage and efficient water main infrastructure. Upon completion of the design, NIES assisted in the bidding and awarding of the contract; and closely working with the Town of Schererville, aided in the overseeing of the construction onsite.

The residents of the Town of Schererville can now enjoy a much improved driving surface, effective drainage and reliable water main infrastructure.

Key Points

• Wider Roadway
• Cost Effective Rehabilitation
• Extended Life
• Improved Stormwater Runoff

Belt Filter Press Design - Schererville, IN (1997)

The solids handling facilities at the Schererville Wastewater Treatment Plant were severely overloaded. Conventional drying beds could not keep up with sludge production, creating a large solids inventory and placing the plant operators in an extremely tenuous position.

NIES Engineering designed a belt filter press to aid in dewatering bio-solids at the Schererville WWTP. The filter press, installed in a previously existing building, utilizes a polymer to enhance the drying process. Additionally, variable frequency drives were provided on pumps to allow flexibility in operation of the system. Incorporated into this project is a truck loading station to allow direct hauling of the thickened sludge and piping to allow transfer of thickened sludge to the existing drying beds.

Depending on operational requirements, the Schererville Wastewater Treatment Plant staff now has the ability to dewater bio-solids for direct disposal or to reduce the solid’s volume to maximize their drying bed capacity. The Belt Filter press not only provides flexibility in operation, but in disposal options as well.

Key Points

• Flexible Design
• Cost Effective