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By: Roads & Bridges

Large-scale retaining wall systems are proving to be a viable alternative to traditional retaining wall construction. A deteriorating retaining wall at a Costco in Saint John, New Brunswick, had a desperate need for revitalization; it was an ideal application for a big-block retaining wall system.

Large retailers such as Costco are sincerely concerned with parking capacity. The issue on this site was that a retaining wall was holding up the parking lot and the wall was bordering a major highway. Costco could not afford a long construction process as it would reduce parking capacity and potentially disrupt traffic and revenue.

The Steven’s Group in Nova Scotia, the local manufacturer and distributor of Redi-Rock products, visited the Costco management team and presented the Redi-Rock solution. Redi-Rock’s retaining walls utilize blocks weighing over 1 ton each and equal nearly 6 sq ft of face per block. As a result, the blocks are set with machines, reducing installation and labor expenses. Redi-Rock’s system was an ideal product for the Costco wall as it could be built quickly. Costco’s objective of minimum disruption to parking and traffic flow was accomplished.

The result was a revived parking area and an aesthetically pleasing view from the highway, adding value to Costco’s curb appeal.