The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Great Chicago (MWRD) has broken ground on a stormwater drainage project in Crestwood, Ill.
The control project will improve stormwater drainage along 135th Street and the Crestwood Drainage Ditch, and is expected to provide flood relief to more than 80 homes and other structures near 135th Street and Central Avenue.
“I applaud Crestwood residents for making our water environment a priority and working together to improve the quality of life in Crestwood and along the Cal-Sag Channel,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “Your determination, resilience, and partnership has helped us advance this project that will protect Crestwood for decades to come.”
The $7.6 million project begins after eight years of planning, engineering, analysis, and public input, including a resident questionnaire that attracted 113 participants. The project includes:
- Installing new storm sewers and a junction structure along 135th Street from Central Avenue to the Crestwood Drainage Ditch
- Improving conveyance along the Crestwood Drainage Ditch channel
- Adding capacity to the existing pipe culverts under Cal-Sag Road
- Improving the detention basin and associated outlet on the Nathan Hale School property.
In addition, the village of Crestwood has committed funding and other assistance toward construction and acquisition of temporary and permanent easements, and the upsizing of local storm sewers.
“The Village of Crestwood is very excited to enter into this project with the MWRD together to help end several flooding issues for hundreds of our residents,” said Crestwood Mayor Ken Klein. “Making the area safe and giving residents relief from worrying about flooding every year is important. Thanks to the MWRD and everyone involved in making this happen.”
The project protects approximately 82 homes, businesses, and other buildings, and provides surface flooding protection from the 100-year-rain event. The work also improves safety and aesthetics of an open junction chamber on Nathan Hale School property and allows for future capacity and flows between the Forest Preserve and Crestwood Drainage Ditch.
“We are delighted to break out the shovels and start this project that will protect Crestwood residents for decades,” said MWRD Commissioner Mariyana Spyropoulos. “This investment has the potential to keep residents in their homes and improve the area around schools and neighborhoods. We thank the Village of Crestwood, Cook County School District 130 and our many partners for their collaboration in delivering this critical project to the people of Crestwood.”
