MSU Farm Lane Improvements Overview

SME provided geotechnical engineering, civil engineering, and construction materials services for the $22 million MSU Farm Lane Improvements. The project reconstructed Farm Lane beneath a new railroad bridge structure, improving campus traffic flow while eliminating the need for pedestrians to cross active railroad tracks. A key project challenge involved constructing the roadway approximately 14 feet below the adjacent marshland and railroad corridor while managing significant groundwater conditions.

To address these challenges, SME evaluated subsurface and groundwater conditions and recommended a system of pump stations and retention/cutoff walls to reduce groundwater infiltration into the stormwater management system. SME also supported implementation of a temporary shoofly track that maintained rail operations during pile driving and bridge construction activities.

In addition, SME designed cantilevered and anchored sheet pile walls utilizing specialized joint sealants to improve groundwater control and overall system performance. The resulting stormwater management improvements generated approximately $300,000 in project cost savings while supporting a practical and constructible solution for the MSU Farm Lane Improvements.

SME Services Provided

Geotechnical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Groundwater Evaluation and Management
Stormwater Management Design
Pump Station Recommendations Retention/Cutoff Wall Design
Cantilevered and Anchored Earth Retention Systems
Railroad Infrastructure Support
Construction Phase Engineering Services
Temporary Shoofly Track Support

“SME provided solutions for complex geotechnical challenges. They were a major player in the development of special provisions for the cut off walls. We value their expertise.” – Colliers Engineering & Design