Civil

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Repair the Entrance Road at Waubay National Wildlife Refuge, Waubay, SD

Our team at COASTAL completed essential improvements to the entrance road of the Waubay National Wildlife Refuge located in an extremely remote area of Waubay, South Dakota. This project was aimed at enhancing the durability and safety of the main access route into the refuge, ensuring a welcoming and accessible entrance for all visitors.

The work involved the strategic placement of shore armoring to create a wave-breaking barrier along the 1,962-foot length of the road. This barrier is designed to protect the road from erosion and water damage. To repair areas where erosion had already taken its toll, we transported soil from a designated area to rebuild the road’s embankments.

COASTAL prepared the road’s surface to withstand the traffic of heavy vehicles by adding an 8-inch layer of compacted clay soil. This preparation was crucial for preserving the integrity of the road under the weight of trucks and construction equipment.

Beneath this new surface, we installed a durable geo-textile fabric to reinforce the embankment, followed by the application of over 15,000 tons of riprap. This rock layer, extending from the road’s shoulder down to below the waterline, forms a robust protective barrier against further erosion.

Through these targeted improvements, COASTAL has ensured that the entrance road to the Waubay National Wildlife Refuge is more resilient and welcoming, enhancing the visitor experience while protecting the natural beauty of the refuge.