ST. VRAIN CREEK CHANNEL FLOOD RECOVERY DESIGN-BUILD

Bank stabilization along the St. Vrain Creek in Lyons, CO

Bank stabilization and floodplain bench along the St. Vrain Creek during construction

Bank stabilization and floodplain bench along the St. Vrain Creek 1 year post-construction

Cross section of the proposed design on the St. Vrain Creek

Design-build concept design rendering of the St. Vrain Creek in Lyons, Colorado

Lyons, Colorado

In response to the catastrophic damage caused by flooding in 2013, S2o was part of a design-build team that aimed to complete infrastructure improvements to the stream, its banks, and the upland areas on the St. Vrain Creek through the Town of Lyons, Colorado.

The final flood recovery channel sought to return the flood affected areas to a natural, more resilient, and sustainable stream corridor. S2o was commissioned to engineer and restore the St. Vrain Creek to a healthy and a well defined multi-stage river channel, with natural sinuosity, gradient and character.

Project Highlights

Engaged in extensive public process through outreach, education, and conceptual design meetings.
Led a conceptual design process where varying solutions to meet the design objectives were defined and evaluated until an acceptable design was reached.
Evaluated the watershed at different scales to define priorities and objectives for each reach within the context of the entire creek system.
Completed computer floodplain modeling to ensure no homes or property were negatively impacted by the project and that the channel velocities and depths met design objectives.
Created several stage design plans including grading, engineered wall plans, design of the river, and design of the habitat.
Assisted in the acquisition of all required permits to met the regulatory requirements to work within the creek.
Designed to meet the requirements for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.
Project team also included ecos who completed permitting, environmental compliance, and the vegetation plan.