Overview
Stormwater Pump Station No. 5 (E. Brambleton Avenue Underpass)
The City of Norfolk has experienced flooding and traffic disruptions in the underpass at Pump Station No. 5 and tasked Timmons Group to evaluate the current physical and operating conditions at the E. Brambleton Avenue underpass and determine the improvements and associated cost necessary to better accommodate intense rainfall without traffic disruption . This underpass was flooded in 2016 during Hurricane Matthew and endured electrical damage and loss of pumping capabilities . The station has been repaired to a serviceable condition, however it still utilizes a style of pumps that City staff desire to replace. Timmons Group evaluated the existing facility and determined design constraints and potential areas for improvement. An appropriate design was determined and plans were prepared to provide a solution for the pump station that reduces flooding in the current storm system layout and converts the existing line shaft pumps to dry pit submersible pumps. As with Pump Station No. 9, a detailed MOT plan was needed. Proposed electrical equipment were located on a proposed platform 2+’ above the base flood elevation. A cost estimate was developed in a format to support an application for FEMA funding. The site plan was approved in winter of 2017. A preconstruction meeting occurred in summer of 2018 and construction is complete as of November 2019.
Stormwater Pump Station No. 9 (Virginia Beach Boulevard Underpass)
The City of Norfolk has experienced flooding and traffic disruptions due to water recirculation from a nearby stormwater pond and back into the underpass at Stormwater Pump Station No. 9. This underpass was also flooded as a result of Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and endured electrical damage and loss of pumping capabilities . Temporary lighting and electrical equipment was installed to allow the station to function until a permanent solution is provided. Timmons Group was tasked to evaluate the current physical and operating conditions at the Virginia Beach Boulevard underpass station and determine design constraints and potential areas for improvement. An adjustable solution and cost estimate was desired that could provide improvements now and further improve functionality in the future in conjunction with other stormwater improvement projects to better accommodate intense rainfall without traffic disruption. As this underpass is a major east-west thoroughfare for the City, a detailed, multi-phased MOT plan was also a crucial design component. An appropriate design was determined and plans were prepared; site plan approval was received in winter of 2017. To help mitigate future losses, proposed electrical equipment were located inside the existing generator room, 2+’ above the base flood elevation. The cost estimate was developed in a format to support an application for FEMA funding. A preconstruction meeting occurred in summer of 2018 and construction achieved final completion in November 2019.
