Caledonia Haulers Parking Lot and Stormwater Basin Improvements

Frequent site visits and open dialogue ensured this redevelopment project met both client needs and regulatory standards.

Caledonia Haulers, a large tanker hauling company that transports canned milk and various food-grade products, partnered with Batterman to upgrade their deteriorating gravel and asphalt driveways and parking areas to a fully functional asphalt parking lot. The project also focused on identifying and resolving issues with two underperforming stormwater basins to ensure compliance with the City of Janesville’s Stormwater Management Ordinances. Through effective communication, problem-solving, comprehensive design, and diligent construction management, Batterman successfully addressed the project’s challenges, ultimately resulting in a satisfied client.

PROJECT SCOPE

Batterman was asked to provide surveying, design, plan preparation, and permitting services for the construction of an asphalt parking lot over the existing gravel lot. Additionally, they were tasked with restoring and expanding the functionality of two failing stormwater basins. The stormwater improvements were needed to comply with current municipal standards and address drainage issues.

Once the design and permitting phases were completed, Batterman was also hired to provide construction management services, overseeing the entire project’s construction.

CHALLENGES FACED

Design and Stormwater Management:

• The parking lot layout evolved frequently based on client feedback, requiring adaptability and ongoing redesign.
• Drainage paths were altered due to recent interstate improvements, complicating basin performance.
• Previous site improvements were never installed, necessitating those elements to be included in the redesign to bring the site into full compliance.
• Poor documentation of the private utilities led to unexpected utility conflicts during planning and construction.

Construction Management:

• Initially, the client was unsure about utilizing Batterman for construction oversight, creating uncertainty in project management roles.
• The client requested additional work mid-project, including concrete pads, sidewalks, revised stall widths, a patio, and structural modifications.
• Work phases changed multiple times due to client requests, weather conditions, and contractor scheduling.

SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTED

Design and Stormwater Management:

• Batterman prioritized multiple on-site meetings with the client to refine the parking lot layout. The client physically tested truck routes and parking movements to ensure practical functionality before finalizing the design.
• Leveraging prior involvement with the interstate project, Batterman accessed relevant drainage plans to understand flow patterns better and develop a tailored basin solution.
• By retrieving and incorporating plans from previously unconstructed site improvements, the team ensured compliance with city requirements.
• Anticipating utility conflicts, Batterman developed flexible design plans and used its role in construction management to make real-time adjustments during installation, which minimized the need for costly utility relocations.

Construction Management:

• Batterman engaged in transparent discussions outlining the value of construction management, ultimately earning the client’s trust and being retained for the service. This decision enabled seamless project execution from concept through construction.
• Handled scope changes by maintaining open communication with the client to assess needs, obtaining pricing and scheduling impacts from the contractor, and providing prompt plan updates to keep the project moving forward.
• Held regular meetings with the client and contractor to reconfigure work phases and adjust plans as needed based on changing conditions and project constraints.

THE FINAL OUTCOME

Thanks to Batterman’s adaptability and comprehensive involvement from planning to execution, the completed project thoroughly and effectively met the client’s needs and the City of Janesville’s requirements.

Dennis Gavin, Owner of Caledonia Haulers, expressed his satisfaction multiple times throughout the project, noting that “they couldn’t have done it without us.” Though unofficial, this endorsement reflects the client’s appreciation of Batterman’s expertise and dedication.