Fletcher Creek Greenway Trail, Phase 2 CEI

The Challenge

As the community master plan design for a 5-mile greenway and walkable/bikeable pathway along Fletcher Creek neared completion, the city of Bartlett, Tennessee, was poised for implementation. The ADA-compliant 10-foot trail would ultimately connect multiple neighborhoods to an 82-acre municipal center, baseball fields, a lake, and a middle school. However, several challenges needed to be addressed before construction could begin, particularly following a particularly rainy season.

Working in a wet environment would necessitate undercutting using soil cement stabilization, but chemicals from this process risked contaminating Fletcher Creek and could also damage the roots of mature, 100-year-old trees along the greenway’s edges. Protecting these trees was crucial to preserving the area's beauty and ensuring lush canopies over the pathway. Additionally, daily Construction Engineering Inspections (CEI) would need to be conducted by an experienced team member certified in the local Certified Chapter 8 program.

The Solution

The rain led to a solution that required patience. The team collectively decided to allow the waterlogged area to rest for a few months until drier conditions created a more suitable working environment. This approach eliminated the need for undercutting or soil cement stabilization. To further protect the roots of the mature trees, grading was raised to add additional soil. Balancing the preservation of existing trees with the clearing of others for the greenway trail requires expertise in environmental stewardship. Barge Design Solutions provided this experience, installing the project’s long-term stability for a pedestrian and bicycle greenway designed to serve for at least 25 years.

This intentional delay in construction also safeguarded Fletcher Creek’s water system from potential runoff of soil cement chemicals, which would have been necessary had construction begun earlier. Silt fences and straw logs were implemented to control erosion and prevent mud from entering the creek, adding further value to the project and maintaining environmental integrity. Additionally, a premade bridge was incorporated into the design to avoid pouring a bridge in place, keeping the construction out of the creek.

To address the need for a day-to-day onsite Construction Engineering Inspection (CEI) representative, Barge’s certified Chapter 8 construction professional met this challenge. They set up biweekly meetings with the client, which included the city engineer, project engineer, city park director, and contractor. This approach fostered open communication channels for collaboration and problem-solving regarding change orders, RFIs, and submittal reviews, ultimately enhancing quality control and project goals.

The Result

Thanks to the CEI team’s expertise and thorough biweekly inspections, the Fletcher Creek Greenway project was completed under budget by $50,000 and on schedule. The protection of mature trees was achieved through adaptive scheduling and raised grading, which added additional soil. Water quality was preserved through offsite bridge construction and effective erosion control measures.

The project's success is also reflected in the community's response. Barge’s client now visits the site for enjoyment rather than work, appreciating its beauty and walkability. The community has developed a renewed appreciation for the park and its connection to the greenway. Additionally, Barge’s own construction representative, who has been with the firm for over 40 years, finds the greenway a special place to unwind, listen to the creek, and enjoy the tranquility of the environment.