Problem: In the section being resurfaced on Wisconsin’s I-39 highway, about a hundred catch basins laid atypically close to a concrete barrier wall. “In places, the barrier wall was actually over the basins,” explains Project Manager Curt Neuhauser of the Wisconsin DOT. “This initially seemed like it might cause a lot of unexpected work and expense. Fortunately, the contractor floated an option that sounded like it would work.”

Solution: Catch Basin Risers from American Highway Products were used to raise inlets without removing any surrounding asphalt. “I’ve used them before, and have found them quick and easy to install,” says Payne & Dolan Project Manager Sam Bilhorn. “I felt they could be used here, and we could avoid removing or undermining the wall. And it wasn’t even a change order — the point was, we were able to avoid a change order. And WISDOT agreed they were worth a try.” The risers are precisely sized as needed for given situations; width, depth, and height are customized for particular jobs. The manufacturer will even provide multiple sizes per order, and keep them organized by size when shipping. 

Result: “We used about 100 on the I-39 project, and had no problems at all,” says Neuhauser. “All we had to do was remove the grate and install the risers. We didn’t have to remove the barrier wall, and we didn’t even have to dig out any roadway. The proof is in the pudding, of course, but we like how they worked on this project, and we’ll be using them again.” 888-272-2397; www.ahp1.com