Past Projects
Water/Wastewater | Public Works | Transportation | Land Development | Water Resources | Bridges | Surveying | Traffic
Water / Wastewater
Wastewater Facility Improvements – Plainview-Elgin, Minnesota
The Plainview-Elgin Sanitary District, serving the Cities of Plainview and Elgin, Minnesota including three industries, began construction of Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements in 2006. The District initiated the project to provide additional capacity as well as accommodate new discharge requirements from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). This project is one of the first Biological Phosphorus Removal Facilities being constructed in the State of Minnesota under the new discharge standard of 1mg/L.
The project involved the expansion of most of the treatment processes within the activated sludge/extended aeration facility. In addition to the BPR process, the project included the addition of a final clarifier and extended aeration basin, grit removal, raw sewage pump and various process pump replacement, construction of a biosolids storage tank, digester improvements, UV disinfection, electrical system and controls updates. The addition of static screens and raising the elevation of existing screens provided the required hydraulic capacity for the new processes. Improvements to the Elgin Lift Station were included in this project.
WHKS provided engineering services for the facilities plan, preparation of plans and specifications and construction management and observation for the wastewater treatment facilities upgrade.
Public Works
Lincoln Way-Beach Avenue to Squaw Creek – Ames, Iowa
WHKS & Co. provided engineering services for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Lincoln Way just west of Beach Ave. east to a block east of the Skunk River, north of Hilton Coliseum. This project included 16,500 square yards of PCC pavement, PCC bridge approach and overlay, intersection reconstruction for Elwood Dr. and Beach Ave., and traffic control. Phased construction allowed two-way traffic at all times including during Iowa State events and high volume traffic.
Detailed analysis of the profile grade was required since most of the length of the project was un-bonded PCC overlay with an urban section as well as complex intersection constraints.
West Locust Street Reconstruction - Davenport, Iowa
WHKS provided engineering services for Phase II construction plans for the City of Davenport, one of the "Quad Cities" near the Mississippi River and the border of Iowa-Illinois.
The project entailed the widening and reconstruction of a 2.1 mile two-lane arterial with ditches into a two-lane facility with curb and gutter, raised and flushed medians and turn lanes. Drainage design was a part of the complete design of the facility. The work included:
Access to residences and businesses, storm sewer design, right-of-way design, cost estimates and utility coordination were all key issues on this project. The scope of services also included intersection geometrics, and a public meeting.
The project was funded through STP funds, requiring plan preparation to meet Iowa DOT standards.
Eighth Street Reconstruction - Dubuque, Iowa
The WHKS & Co. team was selected to provide construction plans for the opening of Eighth Street (from Locust Street to Iowa Street) in downtown Dubuque. The emphasis of the project was to maintain a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere in the area while providing a low-level of vehicular access on Eighth Street.
The project team recognized the many components that define the character and contribute to the uniqueness of downtown Dubuque. An effective public involvement plan was developed and implemented in the early stages of the project.
Extensive communication with the community with stakeholder meetings and interviews, open public forums, and informal conferences with special interest groups were vital to the success of this project. A project Coordinating Committee, composed of community and civic leaders and the WHKS & Co. team, also met at strategic points in the project to discuss options and alternatives, review information, build consensus and achieve scheduled approvals for project development.
The project included preliminary analysis, streetscape design development, final design, plans and specifications, survey, construction observation and administration services.
Transportation
US 20 Mississippi River Crossing - Dubuque County, Iowa and Jo Daviess County, Illinois
The project involves the reconstruction of 2.5 miles of US 20, from 2650' west of Locust Street in Iowa to 1550' east of Timmerman Drive in Illinois, including Mississippi River bridges, local road improvements, drainage, utilities and a bike/pedestrian path. WHKS & Co. is responsible for conceptual, preliminary and final design for the reconstruction of US 20 in East Dubuque, Illinois. The project includes the reconstruction of the existing two-lane facility into a four-lane arterial, reconstruction of local streets, utilities, drainage, bike/ pedestrian path, both existing and proposed right of way determination, pavement markings and maintenance of traffic during construction.
A Location Drainage Study (LDS) was prepared for the Illinois DOT for 2 miles of US 20 from Mississippi River eastward. Additional water resource engineering services included stormwater management and erosion control design for intakes, storm sewer, cross culverts and right of way definition.
Survey services and right of way acquisition plats on both the Iowa and Illinois side of the River are required by the project. This process has required extensive coordination with IDOT and the Illinois DOT.
13th Street And Grand Avenue Intersection Improvement Study - Ames, Iowa
WHKS was retained by the City of Ames for the 13th and Grand Avenue Intersection Improvement Study. The primary objective of the study was to develop concepts for improvements to the intersection to meet current and future traffic needs, improve traffic safety and operations and meet City design standards.
A preliminary traffic analysis was performed to assist in developing concepts that would meet the study objectives. The analysis was based on current signal operations, historic traffic counts, additional traffic counts completed by the City, accident data, the current Transportation Master Plan, and traffic modeling. The analysis produced year 2025 traffic projections and provided proposed lane configurations and turn lane need to accommodate year 2025 traffic.
Several concepts were developed for improvements to the intersection, including a multi-lane roundabout. The concepts were evaluated based on economics, impacts to adjacent properties, total property acquisitions, impacts to the traveling public, possible utility relocations, and public input. The analysis utilized a matrix that shows the assets and liabilities for each concept.
IA 988 Bridge Replacement Over 152nd Street, Pigeon Creek, UPRR and Lapworth Creek - Pottawattamie County, Iowa
WHKS provided survey, preliminary bridge and roadway design, drainage and hydraulic design, right of way design and survey for the IA 988 Bridge in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Services also included bridge TS&Ls, risk assessments for two stream crossings, white sheets, hydraulic calculations, scour analysis and DNR applications.
This project also involved final roadway design from Station 283+00 to Station 353+00, staged to maintain two lanes of traffic throughout construction. Two side roads, Joslin Avenue and 152nd Street, were relocated to tee into the new alignment. This design provided improved sight distance that had been a past voiced public concern.
The new bridge was constructed alongside the existing bridge while traffic continued to utilize the existing bridge. Slightly over one mile of new roadway was constructed to reconnect the roadway to the new bridge. The new bridge is a 1273' - 4' x 44' Pretensioned Prestressed Concrete Bulb Tee Beam Bridge and consists of eleven spans with ten piers with pier heights up to 49 feet tall.
I-80/
Jordan Creek Parkway Interchange Reconstruction - West Des Moines, Iowa
WHKS & Co. provided planning, preliminary/final roadway and bridge design for the reconstruction of the Jordan Creek Parkway interchange with I-80, including reconstruction of Jordan Creek Parkway, a four-lane and six-lane divided urban arterial street. This diamond interchange was converted to a partial cloverleaf configuration within tight right-of-way constraints. A separate bike trail and trail bridge structure was provided to safely move pedestrians and bicycles through the project area. The drainage design included extension of box culverts.
The project was on a fast track schedule as rapid land development adjacent to the interchange made the existing interchange exceed capacity. The existing bridge was replaced with a 4 span structure to accommodate the proposed roadway design and future widening of I-80. Construction staging and coordination with adjacent land owners were critical project elements. Other project features included the preparation of the Environmental Assessment, Interchange Justification Report and a freeway systems study that evaluated the adjacent directional interchange of I 35/I 80/I 235 on the west side of the Des Moines metro area. WHKS also assisted the Iowa DOT to conduct public meetings as part of the environmental clearance process.
A detailed detour plan was developed to maintain high traffic volumes around the site during construction.
I-80/US 65 & IA 945 Interchange Reconstruction - Altoona, Iowa
WHKS & Co. provided planning and preliminary design services for roadway and bridge reconstruction that included widening/reconstruction of 4.3 miles of I-80 from west of U.S. 65/Hubbell Avenue to east of IA 945/1st Avenue North. The project reconstructed the four-lane divided freeway to a six-lane divided freeway with reconstruction and reconfiguration of the U.S. 65/Hubbell Avenue interchange and the IA 945/1st Avenue North interchange, eliminating the left-hand exit at the US 65/Hubbell Avenue interchange.
Extensive traffic operations analysis was performed to coordinate lane configurations with the adjacent U.S. 65 Bypass interchange and the I 35/I 80/I 235 systems interchange on the north side of Des Moines. Auxiliary lanes between the U.S. 65 Bypass interchange and the US 65/Hubbell Avenue interchange were provided. The crossing roadways within the project area (NE 56th Street, U.S. 65/Hubbell Avenue and IA 945/1st Avenue North) will be modified as necessary to accommodate the interchange improvements. The structural scope of work included design for 7 bridges, including a curved welded plate girder bridge.
Land Development
Edgewood Industrial Park RISE Project, Phase 2 - Edgewood, Iowa
WHKS provided services to the City of Edgewood for improvements to the Edgewood Industrial Park, Phase 2. Services included RISE application assistance, field survey, preliminary and final design, coordination with Iowa DOT, bid letting assistance, construction observation and administration. Project items included urban street extension; sanitary sewer and water main extensions; and subdrain and storm sewer installation.
Industrial Park Development - Byron, Minnesota
The City of Byron, Minnesota constructed a new 50-acre industrial park. The City initiated the project to develop more industrial growth in the community to help diversify the City’s tax base. This project also helped the City to meet the goals identified in the City’s Community Visioning Process.
The project involved the creation of 11 new industrial building sites ranging in size from 3.1 to 6.2 acres. City water and sanitary sewer was extended to each lot as part of the project. A new lift station was constructed to transport the wastewater from the development to the existing collection system. The existing frontage road was relocated to accommodate the project. A storm water detention pond was constructed to control storm water runoff from the project. The City installed lighted aerators in the pond to make it an attractive asset for the community.
WHKS & Co. provided preliminary engineering, final design and construction observation services.
Campus Site Improvements, North Iowa Area Community College - Mason City, Iowa
WHKS & Co. has provided planning, surveying and engineering design services since the early 1970’s for multiple improvement projects at the North Iowa Area Community College. The projects have been both large and small resulting in a varied scope of services. Planning services have also included mapping of the college campus.
Campus improvements have consisted of the following elements: concrete roadway and access drive paving, parking lot improvements, athletic field improvements, lighting improvements and subsurface and surface water drainage improvements including the construction of dams and ponds.
Northridge Heights Subdivision - Ames, Iowa
WHKS & Co. is providing on-going planning, engineering, and surveying services for the design and construction of the public infrastructure for the Northridge Heights Subdivision. Public Improvement Plans are being prepared by addition according to the master plan developed by WHKS.
Project elements include highway and street design, detention pond design, dam design, storm sewer design, water and sewer main design and individual lot grading design. Each addition of the project requires preparation of public improvement plans for City of Ames approval. WHKS worked with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Army Corps of Engineers for permitting required for the design and construction of the dam and detention pond.
Harvest View Estates Subdivision - Dubuque, Iowa
WHKS provided planning, design engineering, platting, survey and construction staking services for a new 70-acre development in the City of Dubuque, Iowa. Planned use included single-family housing, a neighborhood park, and two planned unit developments, one 7.2-acres, the other 18-acres.
Project services involved grading, storm sewer, storm water management, sanitary sewer, water main, utility services and street design. A drainage report was also prepared for the development and submitted to the City of Dubuque.
WHKS & Co. coordinated the approvals of the Preliminary and Final Plats and Improvement Plans with City officials to guide the development of the project in various phases.
Water Resources
Bee Branch Restoration Alignment Study - Dubuque, Iowa
The City of Dubuque selected the Camp Dresser McKee (CDM) / WHKS team to study the Bee Branch Watershed area located at the north end of Dubuque. The City requested the study and preliminary design to find an alignment solution that would solve the recurrent flooding experienced in watershed area, taking into consideration social, economic, environmental and engineering constraints.
The Dubuque City Council established a 16-member Bee Branch Citizen Advisory Committee (BBCAC) to work with the CDM / WHKS team to determine the location, alignment and preliminary design of a drainage solution. The BBCAC considered various alternatives, including an open channel alignment beginning at the 16th Street Detention Basin and extending to the intersection of 24th & Elm Streets. Another alternative considered is the combination of an underground pipe and an open channel from 24th Street to Garfield Street by way of Elm Street and Kneist Street. Both alternatives would require a construction width of 150-190 feet, which is the reason for the high number of property acquisitions.
The Dubuque City Council will determine which alternative will be best for the City. Construction dates have not been set, but the project has been established as a priority for the City of Dubuque.
Drainage Analysis And Concept Design For Two Culverts Along IL 75 - Winnebago County, Illinois
WHKS performed a drainage analysis and concept design for the removal and replacement of two culverts along IL 75 in Winnebago County, Illinois for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
The work included the preparation of a hydraulic report for structure 101-1044, which as a 170-acre drainage area and was sized in accordance with the Illinois Drainage Manual and HDS-5. The project also included a complete hydraulic report for structure 101-1043, which has an estimated drainage area of about 1.2 sq. miles and requires at lease a CORP Nationwide #14 permit.
Both of the existing culverts had drop outlets with downstream scour holes. Drop-inlet structures are proposed in the Draft Report to allow dissipation of some of the energy within the culvert barrel. Structure 101-1044 has relatively no cover over the non-standard existing 7'x2' RCB. Structure 101-1043 has significant stream meandering directly upstream of the culvert. If these two structures are replaced with standard culverts, special inlet design will be required and erosion issues and stream alignment issues need to be considered.
Bridges
East Park Pedestrian Bridge - Mason City, Iowa
WHKS provided engineering design services to the Mason City, Iowa Park Board for a new pedestrian bridge connecting East Park with the Family Aquatic Center across the Winnebago River in Mason City, Iowa.
The new structure improves the accessibility for those who wish to bike or walk to East Park without having to cross Kentucky Avenue, a highly traveled route in Mason City.
Critical project issues included potential flooding issues with the Winnebago River and designing the structure to be handicapped accessible.
IL Route 10 Over Prairie Creek - Logan County, Illinois
WHKS was selected by the Illinois Department of Transportation for the preparation of plans and specifications for the replacement of the structure carrying IL Route 10 over Prairie Creek in Logan County, Illinois.
WHKS prepared the Type, Size and Location (TS&L) and final bridge plans for the project. During the development of the TS&L, WHKS worked closely with the District 6 staff to determine the locations of the existing pier foundations. Planning of the proposed structure was complicated by the relative locations of the original and existing pier footings. After excavation and probing to determine the location of the footings, the decision was made to span both the original and existing piers. The final structure was a 3-span welded plate girder on integral abutments and pile bent piers.
12th Street Overpass - Mason City, Iowa
WHKS assisted the City of Mason City, Iowa to provide a solution to the traffic delays on 12th Street NW at the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) tracks. The City determined that an overpass of 12th Street NW at the UPRR crossing was needed and would reduce arterial street traffic congestion, improve traffic safety, and improve air quality. 12th Street NW is a major east-west route on the north side of Mason City and is one of only three east-west streets, which has a continuous alignment across the City. Continuing commercial development on the West side of the City has increased
the importance of uninterrupted traffic movement on 12th Street.
The total project construction extended a distance of approximately 6½ blocks. The major focus was construction of a 661 foot long overpass bridge structure. The bridge and associated roadway width provides for four traffic lanes. The structure and roadway section will operate as a three-lane roadway until traffic flow requires four travel lanes.
Aesthetic features such as long bridge spans to provide a more "open" structure; rustication on the concrete bridge columns and retaining wall panels; and installation of decorative railings and lighting were included.
"Avenue of the Saints", US Highway 18/218 - Floyd Co., Iowa
WHKS & Co. was selected to design 26 miles of the Avenue of the Saints in Floyd County, Iowa beginning near the Cerro Gordo County line and continuing east and south to the end of the Charles City Bypass. Included in this project were the highway design and the structural design of 16 bridges and 14 box culverts along the corridor. Construction of this corridor began in 1997 and was completed by Fall 2000.
The 1999 Iowa Quality Initiative Structures Award for bridge design was presented to WHKS & Co. in recognition of superior quality of workmanship performed on the "Avenue of the Saints"/U.S. Highway 18 bridges over the Iowa Northern Railroad (and a stream) in Floyd County. The dual bridges are located south of Nora Springs one mile east of the Cerro Gordo County line. These bridges have been rated as the best Concrete Beam Bridges on the Primary Road System constructed in the State of Iowa in 1999. The award was presented to WHKS, Peterson Contractors, Inc., and the New Hampton Construction Residency of the Iowa Department of Transportation by the Iowa Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Associated General Contractors of Iowa.
I-80/Jordan Creek Parkway Interchange Reconstruction - West Des Moines, Iowa
WHKS & Co. provided planning, preliminary/final roadway and bridge design for the reconstruction of the Jordan Creek Parkway interchange with I-80, including reconstruction of Jordan Creek Parkway, a four-lane and six-lane divided urban arterial street. This diamond interchange was converted to a partial cloverleaf configuration within tight right-of-way constraints. A separate bike trail and trail bridge structure was provided to safely move pedestrians and bicycles through the project area. The drainage design included extension of box culverts.
The project was on a fast track schedule as rapid land development adjacent to the interchange made the existing interchange exceed capacity. The existing bridge was replaced with a 4 span structure to accommodate the proposed roadway design and future widening of I-80. Construction staging and coordination with adjacent land owners were critical project elements. Other project features included the preparation of the Environmental Assessment, Interchange Justification Report and a freeway systems study that evaluated the adjacent directional interchange of I 35/I 80/I 235 on the west side of the Des Moines metro area. WHKS also assisted the Iowa DOT to conduct public meetings as part of the environmental clearance process.
A detailed detour plan was developed to maintain high traffic volumes around the site during construction.
US 20 Mississippi River Crossing - Dubuque County, Iowa and Jo Daviess County, Illinois
The project involves the reconstruction of 2.5 miles of US 20, from 2650' west of Locust Street in Iowa to 1550' east of Timmerman Drive in Illinois, including Mississippi River bridges, local road improvements, drainage, utilities and a bike/pedestrian path. WHKS & Co. is responsible for conceptual, preliminary and final design for the reconstruction of US 20 in East Dubuque, Illinois. The project includes the reconstruction of the existing two-lane facility into a four-lane arterial, reconstruction of local streets, utilities, drainage, bike/ pedestrian path, both existing and proposed right of way determination, pavement markings and maintenance of traffic during construction.
WHKS & Co. is responsible for the preliminary and final design of the approach structures and retaining walls on the Illinois side of the main span of the Mississippi River.
The eastbound approach structure will be a 2197' Pretensioned Prestressed Concrete Beam and Continuous Welded Girder bridge with a 38' roadway and a 10' sidewalk. The concrete portion consists of 11 spans with 0º skew. The welded girder portion consists of 4 spans of curved girders with a 1,100' radius horizontal curve and various skews. The westbound approach structure will be an 807' x varies Continuous Welded Girder bridge. This bridge consists of 5 spans of curved girders with a 1,100' radius horizontal curve and various skews and will transition to the existing US 20 bridge over the Mississippi River. The steel girder portions of both bridges span the Burlington Northern Railroad and city streets in East Dubuque, Illinois.
WHKS & Co. is also responsible for the design of a grade separation structure on 6th St. over US 20 and the Burlington Northern Railroad in East Dubuque, Illinois. This bridge will be a 230' continuous welded girder bridge with a 30' roadway and a 5' sidewalk. The bridge consists of two spans of curved girders with a 400' radius and various skews.
IA 988 Bridge Replacement Over 152nd Street, Pigeon Creek, UPRR and Lapworth Creek - Pottawattamie County, Iowa
WHKS provided survey, preliminary bridge and roadway design, drainage and hydraulic design, right of way design and survey for the IA 988 Bridge in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Services also included bridge TS&Ls, risk assessments for two stream crossings, white sheets, hydraulic calculations, scour analysis and DNR applications.
This project also involved final roadway design from Station 283+00 to Station 353+00, staged to maintain two lanes of traffic throughout construction. The new bridge was constructed alongside the existing bridge while traffic continued to utilize the existing bridge. Slightly over one mile of new roadway was constructed to reconnect the roadway to the new bridge. The new bridge is a 1273' - 4' x 44' Pretensioned Prestressed Concrete Bulb Tee Beam Bridge and consists of eleven spans with ten piers with pier heights up to 49 feet tall.
While the superstructure is a typical design, the substructure created some unique design challenges due to the soils conditions at the site. Large settlements were predicted for the approach fills, in addition to the very deep rock layers, requiring much longer than usual piles.
Surveying
On-Call Survey for the Iowa Department of Transportation
WHKS was selected by the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) for providing engineering survey for improvement projects at various locations in the State. The selection was based on staff qualifications, experience, past performance, availability and software and technology compatibility with Iowa DOT. The contract is for a three-year period with the Office of Design.
The Office of Design and WHKS work together on a project-by-project basis to determine the specific types of services required by each project. Our survey process has been developed for the complexity of a major four-lane divided highway route relocation, but generally covers all aspects that could be expected in a survey.
Topographic and Section Corner Survey On US 20 – Jo Daviess County, Illinois
WHKS provided survey services to the Illinois Department of Transportation (Illinois DOT) to locate or re-establish 35 section corners and a topographic survey of US 20 (FAP 301) in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, in Stockton Township.
The horizontal control on the project was tied to the same control previously established by WHKS on a hydraulic survey of Rush Creek over US 20. A three dimensional coordinate system was established by WHKS using the Global Positioning System. The horizontal and vertical control is tied to the Illinois State Plane West Zone Coordinates and the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 using four National Geodetic Survey horizontal control stations and six bench marks.
Several drainageways need to be surveyed including a hydraulic survey of Rush Creek. Elevation ranges about 390 feet in the project area. The hilly terrain also provided challenges for this survey because there are no shoulders along the highway.
Traffic Engineering
Traffic Study for River View Plaza Development On 16th Street - Dubuque, Iowa
WHKS completed a Traffic Impact Study for the proposed re-development of a 30-acre former meat packing property on 16th Street in Dubuque, Iowa. The report estimated the impact of traffic generated by the proposed development at 9 existing intersections and at 2 new intersections needed to serve the proposed development. The report evaluated the accident history at the subject intersections and evaluates the warrants for signal installation or removal. The report recommended improvements needed in the immediate project area due to the proposed development.
WHKS obtained traffic counts at 9 intersections in the project area, and used PETRA software to summarize the count information. WHKS utilized Highway Capacity Software (HCS) and SIM Traffic/ SYNCHRO for the traffic analysis.
Traffic Impact Analysis and Signalized Design For New Menard Home Improvement Store - Dubuque, Iowa
WHKS & Co. provided engineering services for the construction of a new signalized intersection of US 20 to serve a Menards Home Improvement Superstore and outparcel developments in Dubuque, Iowa.
The project required extensive alternative analysis and coordination with Iowa DOT and the City of Dubuque. The project included intersection geometrics, traffic analysis, traffic signal design, utility coordination and numerous City of Dubuque City Council meetings.