The Eastburn Storm Drainage Improvement Project covers about 450 acres and includes neighborhoods along Park Road, Park South Road, Fairview Road and Sharon Drive.  The project will improve the storm drainage infrastructure in order to reduce street flooding and property flooding.  The project is currently in the Design Phase.  A general description and range of typical timeframes for project stages is given below. 

Objectives:

- Reduce structure and street flooding throughout the neighborhood.
- Address channel erosion problems within the project area.

Cost:  $12,500,000

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services (CMSWS) project team will manage the Eastburn Project through the phases listed below.  A general description and range of typical timeframes for project phases is given below.  Specific work is conducted during each phase while an emphasis is made on public involvement throughout the entire project.

Planning Phase (Completed December 2007)
During the initial planning phase, the drainage system was surveyed and evaluated to determine its existing capacity and condition. Questionnaires were sent to all property owners in the project area to obtain input about observed flooding and other drainage problems. Once the evaluation of the existing conditions was completed, a public meeting was held on March 16, 2004 at Sharon Presbyterian Church to present the results and receive input from property owners. During the second part of the planning phase, alternatives were developed which included improvements to the drainage system to address the known problems. These improvements include things such as replacing deteriorating or undersized pipes and culverts, regrading channels and/or stabilizing channel banks for erosion, installing new pipes and inlets within streets, etc. Numerous alternatives were developed and considered by the project team.

The alternatives analysis was expanded to consider some additional alternatives. The project team compared alternatives and selected those which are the best set of improvements which address the known problems while balancing cost effectiveness, technical feasibility, and property impacts during construction. A planning report was prepared. Storm Water Services' Maintenance Repair team has made some minor repairs to the drainage system where necessary.

The second public meeting was held on November 16, 2006.  View the presentation (PDF) and handout (PDF) from the meeting.

Design Phase (October 2007 - TBD)
Currently, the project is in the preliminary design phase.  The consultant is preparing construction drawings for the alternative selected during the planning phase are developed.  Many details must be addressed including the determination of specific pipe sizes and alignments, channel widths and lining types, inlet sizes and locations, utility relocations, and easement locations.  View the project details.  The design phase of a project typically lasts 21 to 34 months.

Permitting Phase (September 2009 – TBD)
During the permitting phase, the required water quality permits are obtained from Federal and State governments.  Other permits such as permission to work within railroad and NCDOT rights-of-way will be obtained during this phase.  The permitting phase of a project typically lasts 3 to 9 months.  The permitting phase of a project may overlap other phases.

Property Easement/Acquisition (September 2009 – TBD)
The City's real estate staff works with citizens and businesses to acquire Storm Drainage Easements (SDEs).  The City requests that SDEs be donated to provide access to your property to make the recommended improvements and provide future maintenance.  In addition to SDEs, temporary construction easements may be needed to access work areas.  The bid phase will begin after all easements are acquired.  The easement acquisition phase of a project typically lasts 8 to 12 months.

Bid Phase (Time Frame TBD)
During the bid phase, the final plans will be circulated to qualified contractors for a competitive bidding process.  By state law, the lowest responsible bidder is awarded the construction contract.  The bid phase of a project typically lasts 4 to 5 months.

Construction Phase (Complete by February 2013)
Throughout construction, efforts will be made to minimize disruption to nearby property owners.  Construction of proposed improvements will be supervised by City inspectors.  Notifications of key construction dates and will be mailed to residents prior to construction.  Because projects vary in size, the typical construction phase of a project can last from 3 months to over 2 years.

Project Team

Matthew Anderson, P.E.
City Project Manager
704-336-7923

Doug Lozner, P.E.
Watershed Area Manager
704-432-0964

Matthew Gustis, P.E.
City Engineering Team Program Manager
704-336-6183

Newsletters

October 2009 
August 2009 
April 2009 
December 2008 
August 2008

Meeting Minutes