Idlewild Avenue Drainage Improvements

Under the Hillsborough County Stormwater and Environmental Continuing Services Contract, DRMP provided professional engineering services to resolve a chronic neighborhood flooding problem along Idlewild Avenue.   The flooding damaged property and affected the residents’ quality of life.

The work included the construction of a 42-inch storm pipe along the westside of Hubert Avenue from Idlewild Avenue to the Henry Street Canal. The new pipe serves as a secondary outfall pipe to alleviate flooding.   Excavation between the two existing ponds was provided to increase water quality while the control elevation in the pond was lowered to provide for additional storage. A “smart box” was constructed to allow lower flows to drain into the existing pond.  The weir elevation was set to maintain the water quality volume as reflected in the original Southwest Florida Water Management District permit. In larger storm events, the secondary outfall provides flood relief by allowing excess flows to be conveyed directly to the Henry Street Canal. The project alleviates flooding for the 25yr/24hr rainfall event.

Following construction, in June of 2016, Tropical Storm Colin produced 5.3-inches of rain on the project area and no street or residential flooding was experienced. The project has greatly improved the safety and quality of life for the residents of Hillsborough County.

Award

2017 APWA West Coast Branch Environmental Project of the Year