Our Trier Upper Branch Stormwater Drainage project for Allen County, Indiana has won a 2026 Outstanding Stormwater Project Award from INAFSM!
The Trier Upper Branch Project provided much needed stormwater relief along US 930 while supporting future development in a growing corridor, including providing a much needed stormwater outfall for the Sunnymede Subdivision in New Haven, Indiana. After years of drainage challenges, Allen County partnered with Lochmueller to evaluate alternatives and deliver a permanent, community-focused solution.
Following a comprehensive alternatives analysis, the project team selected the Trier Drain alignment over the original Sheridan Drain option, which would have required tunneling beneath a railroad switchyard with 13 active tracks. The final design included 1,800 feet of new 48-inch storm sewer, a two-stage ditch requiring 25,000 cubic yards of excavation, replacement of two box culverts, and an inverted siphon beneath three NIPSCO gas transmission lines. Specialized sump structures were incorporated into the siphon manholes to reduce clogging and improve long-term maintenance. The project also required a joint probability hydraulic analysis to properly account for tailwater conditions within the 10.2-square-mile watershed.
Beyond its technical achievements, Lochmueller delivered exceptional value to Allen County. Design, utility coordination, right-of-way acquisition, and legal drain processes were completed in just 11 months to meet ARPA funding deadlines. The final construction bid came in 42% below the engineer’s estimate, and the project secured all required environmental permits while minimizing environmental impacts and mitigation costs. The successful delivery reflects a strong partnership with Allen County, provides lasting benefits to residents and businesses, and positions the corridor for continued economic investment and sustainable growth for decades to come.
