Redwood Road Storm Drain Project
Question & Answers
What is the project?
The project includes the installation of underground storm drainage lines for the purpose of collecting surface floodwater that currently floods Redwood Road and diverting such water to Utah Lake. Water will be collected in a catch basin proposed to be located on the southeast corner of the large farm property on the west side of Redwood Road. A large diameter (48 inch) storm drain pipe will then convey water east under Redwood Road and under the open space area in the Saratoga Springs Development (SSD) located between Amber Road (1150 South) and Wagoneer Road (1230 South), under Parkway Boulevard and into Utah Lake.
This project also includes additional storm drainage facilities intended to collect floodwater that flows from areas west of Redwood Road and generally west of SSD. It is expected that these improvements will greatly alleviate flooding that has historically occurred on Redwood Road in this location. It is also hoped that these improvements will alleviate the potential for future property damage to individual homes within the SSD neighborhoods.
Why is the project necessary?
We have observed numerous events where water collects in these locations along Redwood Road and causes serious and dangerous disruptions in vehicle travel and potential and sometimes real property damage to homes in the SSD neighborhoods. For many years the City has been asking the owners of the large farm parcels and the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) to address surface water runoff and other floodwaters that accumulate in this area. While these parties have been somewhat cooperative, they have thus far not been willing to entirely take responsibility or provide solutions to this problem.
About eighteen months ago, the City began to design an engineering solution to these problems. The necessity for the project became very clear in February of this year when early spring temperatures melted winter snow on the farms and inundated Redwood Road and flooded many houses and neighborhoods. The City now feels an urgency to get these improvements completed in order to protect homes and streets in SSD.
What is the project timetable?
The project is anticipated to begin in the third or fourth week of April and run for approximately 90 days. According to City Code, construction activities can take place Monday through Saturday, 7:00 am to 9:00 p.m. Work hours can be modified to accommodate residents, especially since houses are in such close proximity to the project, but the contract time may also have to be modified if working hours are shortened.
What happens to improved areas within the SSD neighborhoods and open spaces that are impacted or damaged by the project construction?
The City is committed to and will include in the cost of this project the restoration of all improvements, including irrigation systems, landscaping, affected paths and trails, roadways and any other features or improvements that are impacted in any way, to a pre-construction condition that is acceptable to the Owner’s Association. It is the City’s intention to replace all landscaping and trail improvements that are damaged or destroyed during construction. The City has assigned an inspector to oversee this project and we have instructed him to photograph (videotape) the entire area including fences, walks, trees, grass, curbs and streets, to help ensure that everything will be left in as good or better condition than it was before the project. The participation of a representative from the Owner’s Association would be helpful to identify pre and post construction issues that need the City’s attention. Since there are no irrigation drawings showing where the Association’s lines are located within the open space, we have been counting on the Association and/or their landscaper to help find the main control valves and provide us with some knowledge of the system and its operation.
Is the City willing to make a written commitment to the Owner’s Association to replace property and facilities and restore any damaged areas to their pre-constructed condition?
Yes.
Will homeowners adjacent to the construction be notified of the hours of operation and other important project details?
Yes. The City will either have its own staff or representatives of the contractor communicate with affected residents and answer questions related to this project. The City also intends to keep the Owners Association informed of project schedules, details and any other important information.
Will the Owner’s Association be asked to maintain or care for these storm drain facilities?
No. These pipelines will be the City’s responsibility to maintain. In the event that the City must perform maintenance or repair activities on SSD property, it will do so in a manner that is respectful of adjacent property owners, at the City’s expense and with an obligation of full restoration of any damage that might occur to private property.