The Hillsborough County Public Works department will soon begin a project aimed at reducing the potential for flooding near the intersection at West Bearss Avenue and Lake Magdalene Boulevard.
The department expects to begin construction on the West Bearss Drainage Improvement Project within the next month. The $400,000 project entails replacing the existing drainage structure at the southeast corner of the intersection, upgrading the drainage pipe on West Bearss Avenue and constructing a new linear pond to allow pretreatment of the water before it flows to Lake Magdalene.
Hillsborough County project manager Robbie Wiseman said debris buildup over time has led to flooding at the intersection.
(Photos courtesy of Hillsborough County)
Stormwater flows through a flume to a ditch bottom inlet with a grate positioned on top to prevent debris from entering the storm system and ultimately the lake, Wiseman said.
“This project will provide a large slot into the structure to allow water to flow into the structure, while still preventing the debris from entering the system,” he said.
Wiseman added the drainage project will allow stormwater runoff to flow to the linear pond, located on the south side of Bearss Avenue.
“The current drainage system flows through a series of culverts from the north side of Bearss Avenue, and ends in a small pond at the northwest corner of Bearss and Emerald Lake Boulevard. The last culvert leading into this pond is currently plugged with siltation and causing flooding in the area. This is due to the pond’s outfall elevation (being) set too high for the current treatment of stormwater runoff,” he explained. “This project will lower this elevation in the structure.”
According to Jason Boulnois, the county’s construction services manager, the linear pond will provide additional treatment of the stormwater runoff by “allowing time for water from the roadway to slowly move from the entry point in the pond to the outfall” in Lake Magdalene. He noted it will “naturally treat and remove particles collected from the roadway.”
The entire system should have a 50-year life span, with proper periodic maintenance, Wiseman said.
Construction will take place on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Access to homes will be maintained through construction.
Officials say most of the construction will be in the right of way. However, it may be necessary to work on private property with prior approval, and all areas affected by the construction will be restored, they said.
Boulnois said one lane of traffic might need to close during construction when workers or equipment are present. Closures will be between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Weather permitting, construction should be complete within 90 days, he added.
The project is being funded through the Stormwater Fee Capital Improvement Program. Additionally, the Southwest Florida Water Management District is cooperatively funding the project at 50 percent.
West Bearss Drainage Improvement Project
What: The Hillsborough County Public Works Department plans to construct and replace the existing drainage structure at the southeast corner of the intersection at West Bearss Avenue and Lake Magdalene Boulevard. The county also will upgrade the drainage pipe on West Bearss Avenue and build a new linear pond for water quality pre-treatment discharge to Lake Magdalene.
Why: To address stormwater issues and flooding on and around the intersection.
When: Spring 2016
Where: Areas around the intersection at West Bearss Avenue and Lake Magdalene Boulevard
Project Cost: $400,000
Published April 6, 2016
