MAJOR Campus construction includes critical stormwater system improvements

As part of infrastructure improvements on the Marshall Area Jobs, Opportunity and Recreation (MAJOR) Campus, upgrades were made to two stormwater culverts to make structural improvements and meet environmental requirements.

The culverts are located under railroad lines south of the future BlueOval Battery Park Michigan and north of the Kalamazoo River between C Drive North and 15 Mile Road.

This work provided much needed improvements to the culverts, which had been blocked by sediment and debris and appeared to have structural challenges. New culverts meet extensive stormwater requirements laid out by the city of Marshall, Calhoun County, Amtrak, the Michigan Department of Transportation and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

“We are excited to see these important water infrastructure improvements take shape,” said Jim Durian, CEO of Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA).

Heavy equipment, including excavators and front-end loaders, performed work on both sides of the tracks and material, including stone, gravel, pipe and concrete, was transported to construction sites.

Because of this work, the rail line was closed for a period to allow a section of track, ties and other material to be removed. After new culverts and storm water pipes were installed and properly graded, soil was filled in and the sections of railroad was rebuilt.

The area under the railroads has large boulders, which required new culverts to be installed using a method that digs a trench, lays the storm water gathering system and then replaces the surface area.

“These are critical upgrades that will benefit the health of our community and help our ongoing efforts to protect our lakes, rivers and streams for future generations,” Durian said.