North Carolina Construction News staff writer
City leaders believe now is a prime time to highlight stormwater management projects in progress throughout Fayetteville as we approach the peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season in September. Fayetteville first responders are ready for weather emergencies and the Public Services team is strategically addressing City infrastructure in high-risk areas.
In December 2021, City Council members approved to move forward with the design of an estimated $20 million worth of stormwater infrastructure projects that were identified in the first phase of the Watershed Master Plan.
“By engaging in a comprehensive Watershed Master Plan that looks at the City as a whole, Fayetteville has positioned itself to make strategic and informed decisions about the stormwater investment we plan over the next several years,” Assistant Public Services Director – Engineering Byron Reeves said.
The implementation of the first round of major stormwater mitigation solutions includes construction completion of the Devonwood Lower Dam. Scheduled for completion in September 2022, the Devonwood Lower Dam repair is a Hurricane Matthew Recovery Project. The dam is located along McFadyen Drive.
It was damaged when Hurricane Matthew hit the area in 2016. During the hurricane, water from Fleetwood Lake overtopped the dam causing significant erosion and sloughing of the downstream embankment. Repair work by the City’s Public Services team will ensure that this high-hazard dam meets current state safety standards. Before and during construction are photos available on the City of Fayetteville Flickr page.
Additionally, construction will begin on five large stormwater infrastructure projects. These stormwater infrastructure projects are located along Adam Street, North Street, Neville Street, Sunbury Drive, and Ray Avenue. They will improve the level of service provided within the right of way during storm events.
The first tranche of projects also includes improvements along Sessoms Street, Tryon Drive, Lyon and Ivy Road, Rosemary Drive, Rhemish Drive and Rockford Road. These areas will see stormwater improvements within the right of way that eliminate approximately 3.25 miles of impacted lane length as well as eight traverse road crossings. In addition to the improvements within the right of way, the co-benefit of removing impacted structures during associated storm events will also be achieved.
Also anticipated are the Locks Creek and Person/Russell Street improvement projects approved June 6. Design of those projects are scheduled to begin in September.
Approximately $65 million in stormwater projects are in planning, design or construction stages.
The City’s stormwater management program staff, who are responsible for the maintenance of storm drainage infrastructure and flood control measures, plan to present the second tranche of solutions to Council in June 2023 and a final tranche in June 2024.