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Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery – Phase 5C Expansion
Projects  / Earthwork & Site Development  / Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery – Phase 5C Expansion

Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery – Phase 5C Expansion

St. Louis, MO · $20.3M Contract · Completed Aug 15, 2024 · RKE as Prime Contractor
Site Developed
8.5 Acres
Crypts Placed
8,535
Cremains Sites
765
Schedule
Ahead of Time
Project Overview

Expanding a National Shrine, Section by Section

Phase 5C continued the Phase 5A & 5B expansion at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, developing approximately 8.5 acres to add long-term burial capacity while preserving the cemetery's established layout and standards. The work delivered four new pre-placed crypt burial sections holding 8,535 double-depth crypts, plus one new in-ground cremains section providing 765 burial sites.

Supporting site development included construction and repair of internal roadways, a new irrigation system, and full landscaping — turf establishment, trees, and shrubs — to integrate the new sections seamlessly with the surrounding grounds. A new retaining wall was built as part of site grading, finished with architectural cast-in-place concrete caps and limestone veneer to match the cemetery's existing walls and ensure visual continuity.

The project was completed ahead of schedule while resolving several field challenges — unsuitable soils beneath crypt fields and roadways, an unmarked gas main, and owner-requested upgrades such as a new irrigation connection and a change from seeding to sod. RKE and the government resolved each item collaboratively, and none of the changes impacted the schedule.

Field Challenges, Solved

Collaboration Kept It On Schedule

Unsuitable soils. Poor soils under portions of the crypt fields and roadways were remediated without delaying placement.

Unmarked gas main. A previously unmarked gas utility was discovered and resolved collaboratively with the project team.

Owner upgrades. A new irrigation connection and a seeding-to-sod upgrade were incorporated with zero schedule impact.

Scope of Work

What RKE Self-Performed & Managed

01
Pre-Placed Crypt Sections
Four new sections set with 8,535 double-depth precast concrete crypts on engineered subgrade.
02
In-Ground Cremains
One new cremains section providing 765 in-ground burial sites integrated into the grounds.
03
Roadways & Paving
Construction and repair of internal roadways with cast-in-place curb, gutter, and asphalt paving.
04
Retaining Wall
Cast-in-place wall with architectural concrete caps and limestone veneer matching existing cemetery walls.
05
Irrigation Systems
New irrigation throughout the expansion, plus an owner-requested new irrigation connection.
06
Landscaping & Sod
Full turf establishment, trees, and shrubs — upgraded from seeding to sod over the crypt fields.
Field Documentation

Project Gallery

28 PHOTOS · Click to enlarge

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