Cracker Barrel, Oxford, Alabama

Columbia Engineering was the lead consultant in land planning, design and permitting of this 103 acre mixed use commercial subdivision. The primary design parameter for this project was to design a commercial subdivision with roads, water, sewer, and storm sewer facilities for each parcel. The lots were designed to be of a size and shape that would work for most commercial users that would use the adjoining interstate highway as a source of revenue.

Columbia Engineering designed, permitted and oversaw the construction of this project. When the project was started only two commitments were in place for specific parcels to be developed. This resulted in many design changes as the project was under construction and as new commitments for parcels were made. This project was complicated as the designer had to work around and get approval for work crossing and conflicting with the following utilities.

1. Two 30” high pressure transmission pipelines that were owned by Colonial Pipeline.
2. A 36” high pressure gas line owned by Southern Natural Gas.
3. Dual Fiber Optic Main lines from Atlanta to Birmingham.

The other main issue pertaining to this property was the existence of a major floodplain and floodway through the center of the site. As lead consultants we hired a qualified engineer who had the knowledge and experience to help us put the floodway in pipes under the ground and to get the maps amended so that the development parcels were not encumbered with floodplain issues and restrictions.