The Ford Parkway Bridge, also known as the Intercity Bridge, is a significant link between Saint Paul and Minneapolis as it spans the Mississippi River. Constructed in 1927, the bridge is recognized as a historic site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1973, the bridge was restored, and pedestrian traffic was accommodated in 2002.

Unfortunately, the slopes of the Mississippi River on both embankments had experienced significant erosion, and the drainage systems had failed. Rani was appointed to address the erosion on the east side of the river and the blocked outlet pipe for the bridge drainage.

Rani was responsible for correcting the drainage system failure by re-routing bridge runoff to the Woodland Avenue stormwater tunnel and designing the river embankment protection underneath the Ford Parkway Bridge and two City of Saint Paul stormwater outfalls.

Professional services included:

• A topographic survey of Ford Parkway Bridge, Mississippi River Boulevard, and the Mississippi River embankment. These three surfaces were located directly on top of one another, making the CAD surfaces particularly difficult to work with.
• A hydraulic study was completed to analyze the existing drainage in the project area. The hydraulic study allowed Rani to develop possible drainage and erosion control solutions. The best options were presented to the project stakeholders to identify the pros and cons of each and to choose a specific solution.
• Construction plans, specifications, and engineer’s cost estimates were prepared for storm sewers, riprap embankment protection, and gabions at stormwater outfalls.
• A MnDOT Hydraulics Memo was completed with the analysis and findings of the selected alternatives.
• A mussel survey and contaminated materials testing were also coordinated.
• A sub-consultant performed a structural analysis resulting in cast-in-place concrete, sheet piling, and permeation injection of polyurethane grout walls.