On a project the magnitude of the Page Avenue Extension, unsuspected circumstances are bound to arise that test the engineers charged with finding a solution. Such was the case when the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) determined that conditions along the new highway would result in potential flooding that could not be mitigated by standard highway drainage applications. 

CMT was retained to provide a solution to the complex situation. The firm responded with a design for an underground detention pond comprised of reinforced concrete box culverts that represents an innovative approach to stormwater drainage on an urban highway, and that proved superior to an open-air pond in terms of cost and safety. The drainage system met all of MoDOT’s goals with regard to flood protection, safety, economics, aesthetics, operations, and maintenance.

The project received a Grand Award from the ACEC’s Missouri Chapter.