Watseka Main Drainage Ditch Improvements

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Overview

The City experienced frequent flooding due to an inadequate stormwater conveyance system. Extreme flooding forced 1,550 residents to evacuate and over four hundred and thirty homes, businesses and most of the schools were badly flooded. In an effort to alleviate future flooding, the City contracted a project to excavate a one mile stretch of ditch through the City.

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Scope

• Replaced seven roadway crossings with box culverts

• Removed restrictions in the main drainage ditch

• Installed two steel gates at the ditch outlet to prevent future flooding

• Eliminated hazardous ditch slopes; better vegetative uptake

• Secured easements for future preservation of the channel

• Maintained access to residents during construction; public outreach

Results

• Improved water quality for the Iroquois River watershed

• Increased stormwater conveyance through the City

• Residents of Watseka a protection for the Improved flood

• Promoted public safety through safer slopes and protective fences