Eastern Shore Drive Drainage Improvements
 
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Eastern Shore Dr.
Extensive drainage improvements are planned for the area surrounding eastern Shore Drive, from First Landing Park on the east to Lynnhaven Inlet on the west.  As background, this area was originally developed without a comprehensive storm water management system (pipes, outfalls, etc.), and as a result has been impacted by repetitive street flooding during rainfall events over the years.  Infill development has increased the basin’s imperviousness, and has worsened the situation.  In addition, a large portion of the developed drainage basin is relatively low, and as a result is subjected to tidal inundation during storm events with higher tides.  The lack of an original storm water system to “improve” and the impacts of direct tidal inundation combine to increase the cost and complexity of improvements for the drainage basin.  It is anticipated that the improvements will include improved systems of pipes and inlets to collect the storm water runoff, backflow prevention devices to block higher tides, storm water pump stations, and fill for berms, dikes and diversions.
 
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 Additional Information
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The project is currently in the analysis/conceptual design phase, which is scheduled to be completed in December​ 2016.  The next steps will include presenting the concept plan to the public for input, preparing the design documents, advertising, and constructing the individual phases as available funds allow.
 
In addition, a separate study was prepared to determine if check valves or tide gates could be installed at critical locations as an interim measure.  The interim study was issued on June 18, 2013.  The Bayfront Advisory Committee (BAC) was briefed on June 20, 2013. The interim study and BAC presentation are available by clicking on the below hyperlinks.  Authorization to design and construct the proposed interim measures was issued on September 3, 2013.  Installation of check valves at 5 locations in the Lynnhaven Colony Tidally Adjacent area occurred early 2014.  Construction of 3 sluice gates along the Cape Henry Ditch is scheduled to occur from May 2016 January 2017 after detailed engineering and obtaining environmental permits.  The construction schedule for the 3 sluice gates is contingent upon weather conditions, high voltage coordination, and other deterrents.  While these interim measures are able to offer some level of tidal flood protection, there are limitations at which point overland tidal flooding will occur and the low-lying areas cannot be protected.

Select Cape Henry Sluice Gates Exhibit to view a flood elevation map of the area.
 
Select Near Term Backflow Prevention Feasibility Analysis to view the interim study.
 
Select ESD Recurrent Flooding Presentation to view the June 20,2013 presentation to the BAC.
 
​Select Eastern Shore Dr. Drainage Improvements Project Briefing Part II to view the April 29, 2014 presentation to City Council.   ​

Drainage Improvements Video

Contact Information