Construction Administration

O’Neal Lake Dam Restoration

Portfolio / By

Project Type

Dam

Project Location

Bliss Township, Michigan

Owner

State of Michigan

  • Department of Technology Management and Budget
  • Department of Natural Resources

Services Performed

Topographic Survey
Study and Evaluation
Engineering Design
Construction Administration

Estimated Construction Cost

$350,000

 

O’Neal Lake Dam failed in September of 2014 due to heavy rains. In November of that same year, NFE was retained by the Department of Technology Management and Budget (DTMB) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to investigate the failure of the dam and come up with options to repair it.

The dam was installed in 1952 by the DNR to aid in both water control and to develop a habitat for wildlife. O’Neal Lake is approximately 150 acres in size, and surrounded by Wilderness State Park and privately-owned land. Once the dam failed the lake dried up.

After careful study and evaluation of the dam, NFE proposed five options for repairing the control structure. The Cut-Off Wall/Control Structure Installation option was chosen by DTMB/DNR because it was creating basically a new dam with a 50-year-life expectancy and with minimal maintenance. This option entails placing steel pilings to form a wall in front of the existing dam and filling in between, along with repairing the pedestrian and snowmobile wood crossing. The old dam was retrofitted with a new deck and railings to accommodate an important pedestrian crossing within Wilderness State Park.

NFE prepared engineering plans for demolition, structure improvement, area earthwork, boat launch improvements and construction documents. After DTMB/DNR secure funding for the project, construction started in October 2017, and is expected to be completed spring 2018. NFE also provided both office and site construction administrative services. NFE is proud to be involved with this project that will bring the lake back to the area and its residents, while restoring boating, fishing and a haven for wildlife.

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City of Pontiac Martin Luther King Boulevard Reconstruction (4R)

Portfolio / By

Project Type

Roadway/MDOT

Project Location

Pontiac, Michigan

Owner

City of Pontiac
47450 Woodward Avenue
Pontiac, MI 48342

Services Performed

Design
ROW Acquisition
Construction Administration

Estimated Construction Cost

$5,115,000

 

NFE provided the City of Pontiac with preliminary engineering and construction engineering services for the administration of this 1.10-mile road reconstruction project from M-59 to Elm Street. Through this project, a deteriorated and under-capacity three-lane road was reconstructed and widened to five lanes of new concrete pavement. The project also included new storm sewer, concrete sidewalk and non-motorized facility, LED street lights and box-span traffic signals.

NFE provided preliminary engineering services including: preparation of the environmental assessment, including the evaluation of several alternatives for approval by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Federal Highway Administration; preparation of right-of-way plans and administration of the right-of-way acquisition phase; topographic survey; and preparation of roadway construction plans, specifications, special provisions, and plan details in accordance with current MDOT and Federal Highway Administration requirements.

NFE also provided construction engineering services including: contract administration, construction engineering supervision, construction/technical observation (inspection), construction layout and construction staking, on-site quality control and material testing, preparation of pay estimates, preparation and evaluation of punch list work, final inspection, review of documentation for final payment, and recommendation for final acceptance of project in accordance with Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Federal Highway Administration guidelines and requirements using Field Book and Field Manager software.

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City of Madison Heights R-2 Residential Street Repair Program

Portfolio / By

Project Type

Roadway

Project Location

Madison Heights, Michigan

Owner

City of Madison Heights
300 W. Thirteen Mile Road
Madison Heights, MI 48071

Services Performed

Consulting
Surveying
Engineering Plans
Advertising and Bidding
Construction Administration
Construction Layout and Staking

 

Since 1979, NFE has continuously served as municipal engineer for the City of Madison Heights. We have provided the City with civil engineering, surveying, consulting and administration services for numerous road reconstruction, sectional road replacement and infrastructure improvement projects.

From 1997 to 2007, NFE worked with the City on a voter approved Ten Year Residential Street Repair Program (R-1) that was drastically needed to repair neighborhood roads and water main that were constructed 40 to 50 years ago.

Due to the success of the R-1 program, the residents unanimously approved a second Ten Year Residential Street Repair Program (R-2). This program provided over $17 million of new revenue to continue replacing failed residential streets and upgrading original water, sanitary and storm infrastructure.

During the R-2 program from 2007 to 2017, NFE provided right-of-way and topographic surveys, engineering construction documents including plans and specifications, advertising and bidding, construction administration, construction layout and staking, and as-built surveys for 46 streets and/or street segments. This included over 43,962 linear feet or 8.33 miles of new pavement, 40,100 linear feet of new water main and 9,500 linear feet of new storm sewer.

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Chimney Hill Condominium Improvements

Portfolio / By

Project Type

Roads
Storm Drainage

Project Location

West Bloomfield Township, Michigan

Owner

Charter Township of West
Bloomfield
Chimney Hill Condominium
Association

Services Performed

Land Surveying
Inspection and Investigation
Engineering Design
Construction Administration

Estimated Construction Cost

$1,500,000

 

Chimney Hill is a residential development in West Bloomfield Township, consisting of 142 privately-owned condominiums. The development was constructed 30 years ago, and the roads within the complex were experiencing cracking and breakage due to distress and water drainage issues. The residents petitioned the Charter Township of West Bloomfield through a Special Assessment District (SAD) to complete roadway and drainage improvements for Chimney Hill Drive, which is a private circle drive winding through the development.

West Bloomfield Township contracted with NFE to provide civil engineering and surveying services for the Chimney Hill Drive project. In addition, the Chimney Hill Condominium Association contracted with NFE to provide civil engineering and surveying services for water drainage issues, as well as rehabilitate parking areas, repave the boulevard entrance and improve the clubhouse entry area.

For both projects, NFE provided topographic surveys, utility inspection and investigation, engineering design documents, construction layout, both office and site construction administration, and as-builts. Engineering plans included demolition, road design, staging plans, storm drainage improvements, and soil erosion and sediment control. The result was multifaceted for the residents of Chimney Hill. They now have a new entrance to the complex, smooth roads to travel on, new parking areas, new club house entry, and most importantly, no standing water due to drainage issues.

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Central Michigan University New Graduate Housing

Portfolio / By

Project Type

Education

Project Location

Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Owner

Central Michigan University
1200 Franklin Street
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859

Services Performed

Land Surveying
Site Plans
Landscape Design
Construction Administration

Estimated Construction Cost

$22,500,000

LEED Certified

Platinum 2013

From the outset, Central Michigan University mandated LEED certification and green building measures as part of a campus-wide initiative. The project for new graduate housing featured several sustainable building techniques, including porous concrete paving in new parking facilities and a centralized rain garden as a stormwater treatment and conveyance device.

NFE was tasked with and directly responsible for stormwater management and design, sanitary and water routing, grading, pavement design, tree preservation, landscape architecture, irrigation design and erosion control measures. NFE’s services were coordinated with project architect Neumann/Smith Architecture and other consultants.

With the use of native plantings requiring less irrigation and minimal long-term maintenance, coupled with locally sourced materials and an energy-efficient building design, the project far exceeded expectations and earned LEED Platinum certification.

This successful project is an example of the quality of work, attention to detail and practical experience that NFE brings to every project. Successfully and harmoniously blending into the existing campus, one of the first University-owned housing facilities in the Midwest with a Platinum rating represents a template for future building projects on campus.

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Cass Avenue Resurfacing (Woodward Avenue to Dixie Highway)

Portfolio / By

Project Type

Roadway

Project Location

Pontiac, Michigan

Owner

MDOT
Oakland Service Center
800 Vanguard Drive
Pontiac, MI 48341

Services Performed

Design
Construction Administration

Estimated Construction Cost

$2,000,000

 

NFE is prequalified in numerous construction, design and survey categories through MDOT. With these pre-qualifications, NFE has successfully assisted local municipalities with implementing and constructing over 50 MDOT funded projects in the past 10 years. In addition, NFE has provided services directly to MDOT for roadway construction engineering projects. One of the projects was Cass Avenue Resurfacing from Woodward Avenue to Dixie Highway in Pontiac.

Cass Avenue Resurfacing was a 3R project where the existing asphalt pavement was rehabilitated. The overall construction cost was $2,000,000. This project was completed on time and within the established budget for the project despite some very significant changes in existing conditions. The original design intent was to complete patch repairs of existing exposed concrete areas, and complete Detail 7 and Detail 8 HMA repairs in areas where existing HMA overlaid concrete pavement was; however, when milling work was completed, it was discovered that the existing concrete pavement under the HMA was in significantly deteriorated condition. This caused a substantial amount of field re-design for NFE to keep the project within the prescribed funding amount.

Overall the project was successfully completed in 2010. NFE performed all services required for full construction engineering and project closeout procedures as established by MDOT.

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2012-downspout-banner

2012 Downspout Disconnection Program

Portfolio / By

Project Type

Sanitary Sewer

Project Location

Pontiac, Michigan

Owner

City of Pontiac

Services Performed

Land Surveying
Schematic and Final Design
Construction Administration
Program Management

 

NFE provided the City of Pontiac with preliminary engineering and construction engineering for the administration of this roof drain and downspout disconnection project throughout the City of Pontiac. The purpose of the project was to reduce wet weather flows in the City’s sanitary sewer collection system and at the City’s wastewater treatment plant by rerouting roof drains connected to the sanitary sewer to an approved storm drainage outlet. Because this project was instrumental in eliminating or reducing the severity of sanitary sewer overflows (SSO) to the Clinton River at the City’s wastewater plant, it was approved for Surface Water Quality Initiative Funds (SWQIF) from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ).

Preliminary engineering services included: assisting the City in the preparation of the SWQIF Project Plan and Funding Documentation for approval by the MDEQ; identifying buildings in the City with roof drains connected to the sanitary sewer through visual inspection, smoke testing and dye testing; and preparing plans, specifications and proposal documents for bidding in accordance with Michigan Department of Environmental Quality requirements.

Construction engineering services included: contract administration, construction engineering supervision, construction/technical observation (inspection), construction layout and construction staking, on-site quality control and material testing, preparation of pay estimates, preparation and evaluation of punch list work, final inspection, review of documentation for final payment, and recommendation for final acceptance of project in accordance with Michigan Department of Environmental Quality guidelines and requirements.

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Wilderness State Park Lakeshore Campground Master Plan

Portfolio / By

Project Type

Master Plan

Project Location

Carp Lake, Michigan

Owner

  • State of Michigan
  • Department of Technology Management and Budget
  • Department of Natural Resources

Services Performed

Surveying
Schematic and Final Design
Plans and Specifications
Construction Administration

Estimated Construction Cost

$340,000

NFE, in collaboration with Land Design Studio, was retained by the State of Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive study, design and construction administration services for the redevelopment of Wilderness State Park’s Lakeshore Campground.

The campground is located in Carp Lake Township on the pristine shoreline of Lake Michigan approximately 20 miles west of Mackinaw City. The existing campground was developed in the early 1950’s and serves a very loyal group of repeat visitors who enjoy camping on the shore of Lake Michigan. It is considered one of Michigan’s most valuable resources, but needed redevelopment to meet the demands of today’s 21st Century campers and recreation enthusiasts.

NFE designed the Master Plan in close collaboration with the DTMB and DNR. Environmental factors were taken into careful consideration on all aspects of the design. On-site and on-line surveys were utilized to gather information from users and were helpful in deciding where to concentrate resources. Upon completion, the entire Lakeshore Campground was fully redeveloped complete with new utility and electrical infrastructure.

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West Bloomfield Civic Center & Public Library Parking Lot Reconstruction

Portfolio / By
Project Type

Parking Lot

Project Location

West Bloomfield, Michigan

Owner

Charter Township of West Bloomfield
4550 Walnut Lake Road
West Bloomfield, MI 48325

Services Performed

Surveying
Design Services
Construction Administration

Estimated Construction Cost

$1,800,000

 

NFE provided full design and construction administration services on this $1,800,000 parking lot reconstruction project that included the full reconstruction of the existing pavement system for this 643-vehicle parking lot.

This facility was unique in that it was heavily used as the Township’s main campus including their Parks & Recreation Department, Library, Police Station and Town Hall. The entire facility is served by a “dead end” roadway which presented many challenges as it related to construction staging. The project was constructed utilizing full depth reclamation (FDR) for pavement base and also included irrigation improvements, lighting improvements, vehicle charging station, landscape improvements and security system improvements. The work occurred while existing facilities remained in use, and required careful staging plans and coordination.

It was determined through careful examination of the site and geotechnical results that the entire existing parking facilities should be pulverized. This resulted in the ability to construct proper pavement slopes and improve site drainage, a tremendous upgrade from the pre-existing condition. In addition to the above, and recognizing the significant investment undertaken by the owner, NFE recommended, and the owner implemented, a sewer condition assessment. It was discovered that multiple repairs to the system were required. Repairs to the sewer system were made in advance of paving, effectively preserving the newly constructed pavement. This project was completed on time and within the owner’s prescribed budget.

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Sterling Heights Neighborhood Park Improvements

Portfolio / By
Project Type

Parks

Project Location

Sterling Heights, Michigan

Owner

Dorchen/Martin Associates

Services Performed

Land Surveying
Engineering Design
Construction Administration

Estimated Construction Cost

$1,700,000

The City of Sterling Heights has five major parks and 26 neighbor parks. In November 2016, the residents of Sterling Heights passed the Recreating Recreation millage to fund approximately $45 million in proposed parks and recreation improvements.

Dorchen/Martin Associates was chosen by the City to provide architecture and planning services for its park improvements. Dorchen/Martin in turn contracted with NFE to provide civil engineering and land surveying services.

The first round of parks to get improvements included six neighborhood parks. NFE’s scope of work for each park included topographic surveys, engineering site plans, soil erosion control plans, construction staking, construction administration and inspection services during construction. The following is a listing of the six parks and the improvements made:

  • Hadley Park - Resurfaced paths and new play structure
  • Imus Park – New road from Dodge Park Road, new sidewalks, resurfaced paths and resurfaced athletic courts
  • Chappelle Park – New sled hill, new play structure, new pavilion and resurfaced paths
  • Hampton Park – New parking lot, resurfaced athletic courts, new play structure, new pavilion and resurfaced paths
  • Washington Square Park – Resurfaced athletic courts, new pavilion, new play structure and resurfaced paths
  • Delia Park - Resurfaced tennis courts

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Statewide State Parks Utility Study & Implementation

Portfolio / By
Project Type

Utility Infrastructure

Project Location

Eight Locations in Michigan

Owner

State of Michigan

  • Department of Technology Management and Budget
  • Department of Natural Resources
Services Performed

Surveying
Schematic and Final Design
Construction Administration

Estimated Construction Cost

$2,000,000

NFE was retained by the State of Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive study, design evaluation and construction implementation of below ground sewer and water systems at eight state parks, including:

  • Burt Lake State Park
  • Petosky State Park
  • Mitchell State Park
  • Seven Lakes State Park
  • Otsego Lake State Park
  • Ionia State Park
  • Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area
  • Hayes State Park

The overall goal of the Statewide Utility Study and Implementation project was to evaluate each park’s existing ground water and sewer infrastructure; make recommendations for short-term and long-term solutions; provide preliminary layouts and cost for proposed upgrades, repairs and improvements; and finally implement the construction portion of the proposal. Specifically, NFE focused on water wells, water distribution systems, sanitary systems, lagoons, septic systems, barrier-free access and site drainage.

Each park project was successfully completed within, or under, budget and schedule.

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Statewide State Park Campgrounds Electrical System Analysis Study

Portfolio / By
Project Type

Utility Infrastructure

Project Location

Eight Locations in Michigan

Owner

State of Michigan

  • Department of Technology Management and Budget
  • Department of Natural Resources
Services Performed

Surveying
Schematic and Final Design
Construction Administration

Estimated Construction Cost

$2,000,000

NFE was retained by the State of Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive study and evaluation of the campground electrical systems at eight state parks, including:

  • Baraga State Park
  • Petosky State Park
  • Traverse City State Park
  • Sleepy Hollow State Park
  • Lakeport State Park
  • Muskallonge Lake State Park
  • Rifle River State Recreation Area
  • Yankee Springs Recreation Area

The overall goal of the statewide electrical system study and implementation was to evaluate each park’s existing electrical infrastructure, make recommendations for short-term and long-term solutions, and provide preliminary layouts and cost for proposed campground electrical systems. Specifically, NFE focused on public electrical services, transformers, distribution panels, electrical pedestals, controls for pump and utility systems, building systems (circuit panels), electrical distribution systems and barrier-free access. NFE provided DTMB and DNR with a detailed program allowing the DNR Parks and Recreation Division to make prudent reinvestment decisions.

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State of Michigan Capitol Complex Master Plan

Portfolio / By
Project Type

Master Plan
Master Plan Implementation

Project Location

Lansing, Michigan

Owner

State of Michigan

Department of Technology Management and Budget

Services Performed

Design and Planning Study
Schematic Design
User Survey
Final Design/Bidding Documents
Construction Administration

Estimated Construction Cost

$50,000,000

The State of Michigan’s Capitol Complex in Lansing is the symbolic center of the state’s democracy. With over 1.5 million visitors per year and approximately 14,355 state employees, the desire was to develop a Master Plan that honors and uplifts visitors and employees, while also supporting state activities and programs.

NFE provided the State of Michigan’s DTMB with design and implementation of the Capitol Complex Master Plan. NFE’s design team used a creative approach for redeveloping the site, addressing elements such as pedestrian circulation, parking, irrigation and ornamental horticulture. In order to ensure the project would ultimately add value to the environment of everyday users, NFE’s team performed a user survey of employees and staff, gaining insider knowledge of relevant services.

Top priorities for the design and implementation was considering cost, functionality and sustainability. The project will create a safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing campus environment for government leaders, state employees and visitors.

Project Highlights:

  • Introduction of additional green space
  • Integrate systems and technology
  • Improved way-finding
  • Additional aesthetic characteristics
  • Simplify long-term maintenance
  • Improved lighting, security and ADA access

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Right-Turn Lane Improvements at Brewster & Butler Roads

Portfolio / By

Project Type

Roads

Project Location

Rochester Hills, Michigan

Owner

City of Rochester Hills

Services Performed

Land Surveying
Engineering Design
Construction Administration

Estimated Construction Cost

$375,000

As part of Rochester Hills 2016-2021 Capital Improvement Plan for street improvements, the City of Rochester Hills contracted with NFE to provide right-turn lane improvements for both Brewster and Butler roads. Each road was experiencing traffic congestion and back-up delays. NFE’s scope of work for each project included field investigation, surveying, engineering plans, and both office and field construction administration services. A tree survey was conducted for each site, identifying the species and condition.

The work for Brewster Road included the extension of the existing right-turn lane from Brewster Road onto Walton Boulevard. Improvements included asphalt pathway removal and replacement, ADA walking path improvements, asphalt placements, updated signage, minor utility improvements, and associated project restoration.

The work for Butler Road included the installation of a new dedicated right-turn lane from Butler Road onto southbound Adams Road along with widening of the Butler/Adams road intersection. Improvements included tree removal, walkway upgrades, minor utility improvements, asphalt placements, ADA walking path improvements, new ADA ramp installation, updated signage, and associated project restoration.

Construction on both projects started at the end of April 2016 and were completed the end of June 2016. Both projects were a success and turning right at each intersection was less of a hassle for travelers.

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Pierce and Merrill Streets Paving and Streetscape Improvements

Portfolio / By

Project Type

Roadway
Streetscape

Project Location

Birmingham, Michigan

Owner

City of Birmingham
151 Martin Street
Birmingham, MI 48009

Services Performed

Surveying
Consulting
Engineering Design
Streetscape Design
Construction Administration

Estimated Construction Cost

$1,050,000

NFE provided the City of Birmingham with surveying and civil engineering services for the 1.12-mile concrete roadway reconstruction project of Pierce Street and Merrill Street in downtown Birmingham.

The roadway reconstruction project included water main, combined sewer and storm drain utility upgrades, and streetscape improvements. The streetscape improvements included sawcut concrete sidewalk, exposed aggregate sidewalk, and upgrades to street lighting, all in coordination with the improvements previously made in the downtown streets surrounding City Hall and Shain Park four years before.

NFE was lead consultant and provided a wide range of services. Preliminary engineering included right-of-way and topographic surveying, and preparation of roadway construction plans and specifications. Construction engineering included construction layout and construction staking. Post construction engineering included as-built surveying of constructed utilities and associated updates to the utility mapping on the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS).

The project was selected for the 2013 American Public Works Association (APWA) Detroit Metro Branch Award in the Transportation Category, less than $5 million Division. Also, it was awarded the 2013 Michigan Concrete Association Award of Excellence in the Urban Arterials category.

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