DCCM provided design plans and specifications for a bid-ready submittal package that included comprehensive drainage and minor roadway improvements for Piper Road. The 2,900-foot project extended from FM 518 (Broadway Street) on the north to Fite Road on the south. The project included an asphalt overlay, along with subgrade repairs where necessary, based on visual cracking and pavement failure.

The design reduced the watershed area for the portion of Piper Road draining to the north, which diminished a recurring ponding problem at FM 518. The majority of the roadway now drains to Fite Road on the south using storm sewers underneath the former ditches. Driveway culverts were eliminated for the storm sewers draining to the south and were replaced with area drains between the driveways for direct drainage into the new storm sewer system.

Using storm sewers in this manner eliminated the need to do costly utility relocations or ROW acquisition. At about the same cost as acquiring ROW and moving utilities, this concept greatly reduced the time required for project completion and the need to disrupt the front yards of homes along Piper Road. Existing, significant trees also did not need to be removed. Existing water and sanitary sewer main lines and services were either protected or replaced to accommodate the new storm sewers. We leveraged our relationship with CenterPoint Energy to expedite relocations with the proposed storm sewer before construction began, keeping the project on schedule. The project significantly improved drainage compared to the existing roadway ditches.