Wightman Wins Michigan Concrete Association Award

Wightman was recently honored by Michigan Concrete Association (MCA) with the organization’s Michigan Awards of Excellence in the Structural – Transportation category for its work on the Halbert Road Culvert replacement project.

The Calhoun County Road Department (CCRD) discovered that five Halbert Road culverts over Waubascon Creek, north of the City of Battle Creek, had reached the point of critical failure and required replacement.  Resolution of the problem in a timely, cost-effective manner was imperative, as Halbert Road is a vital connector between the City and surrounding Bedford Charter Township in Calhoun County.  Project partnerships included Balkema Excavating as the general contractor, Northern Concrete Pipe as the concrete pipe supplier, and Wightman as the engineering firm.

Wightman was tasked with designing and facilitating permitting for a new structure that would replace the five failing culverts, not adversely impact the hydraulics of the creek, and minimize environmental impacts on the surrounding wetland area.  Wightman worked collaboratively with CCRD and Northern Concrete Pipe to design a curved precast concrete box culvert that provided a solution to the complex requirements of the project and site. Despite additional challenges, which included work limitations within the creek during May 1 and June 30 to allow for critical spawning and migration periods, the project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.

Additional project work included new hot mix asphalt pavement, guardrail improvements, slope protection, and site restoration.

CCRD, Balkema Excavating, Northern Concrete Pipe, and Wightman were honored for their work during the MCA awards luncheon during the 2020 Winter Conference and Workshop held on February 13 at Kaellogg Hotel and Conference Center at Michigan State University.

Wightman’s Samuel Leatch, P.E., commented, “My favorite aspect is the uniqueness of the project. It is one of the first of its kind, of its size, in the state of Michigan. I’m proud that the project partners were honored with this award.”