McMahon & Mann worked with Bergmann to assess the condition of six embankment locations, along the Erie Canal in the Village of Spencerport, and develop recommendations for improvement. McMahon & Mann developed and implemented a subsurface exploration program that included soil borings and rock cores, the installation of monitoring wells, and monitoring groundwater conditions using automated transducers (TROLLs devices).

The data was used to address seepage issues by designing improved internal drainage, flattening slopes, adding blanket and toe drains or a combination of these methods. In one area, steel sheet piling had been driven through the center of a portion of the embankment to improve its stability. The piezometer data showed that it also provides a seepage cut-off. Recommendations were made to extend the sheet piles to limit seepage in other areas along the embankment.

At one location, a creek runs roughly parallel to, and has encroached upon, the toe of the embankment. We prepared conceptual plans showing alternatives to protecting the embankment from erosion.

McMahon & Mann also developed recommendations for long-term maintenance and monitoring of the embankment sections.

To date, the design is transitioning from the conceptual to detailed phases with construction expected to begin in 2021 or 2022.