Elm Street Culvert

Village of Burr Ridge

OBJECTIVE

The existing Elm Street culvert near Elm Elementary School in the Village of Burr Ridge is rusted and structurally inadequate, causing flooding issues in a residential neighborhood.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Due to the culvert’s inadequate size, the roadway was closed frequently during major rain events that caused school buses and students walking to Elm Elementary School to be diverted. The Village contracted with Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) to provide environmental and design engineering for a replacement culvert.

HLR’s environmental personnel conducted a wetland delineation within the project area and prepared a report summarizing the findings of their fieldwork. Our survey department surveyed the existing structure, roadway, and right-of-way which also involved stream cross sections.

HLR evaluated the existing culvert using HEC-RAS to determine that it provided conveyance for less than a one-year storm event. Various culvert options were presented to the Village to increase the waterway opening and conveyance of the culvert. These culverts ranged in size and provided between a two-year and 30-year level of protection. The project also looked to stabilize the deterioration of the stream and ditches that lead to the 63rd Street ditch. Native wetland and upland plantings will be incorporated to help stabilize the soil along with rock riprap, rock toes, and riffles and pools to stabilize the area and improve water quality.

The culvert replacement requires permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and DuPage County Stormwater Management. This project will be partially funded by a $1 million America Rescue Plan Act grant for the construction this important infrastructure project.