It is anticipated that the improvements will include upgraded systems of pipes and inlets to collect stormwater runoff, deepening and widening of the Cape Henry Canal, stormwater pump stations, automated tide gates and elevated roadways.

This area was originally developed without a comprehensive stormwater management system (pipes, outfalls, etc.), and as a result, has been impacted by repetitive street flooding during rainfall events over the years. Infill development has increased the basin’s imperviousness, and has worsened the situation. 

In addition, a large portion of the developed drainage basin is relatively low in elevation and is subjected to tidal inundation during storm events with higher tides. ​The inadequate stormwater system and the impacts of direct tidal inundation combine to increase the cost and complexity of improvements for the drainage basin. 

Extensive drainage improvements are planned for the area surrounding eastern Shore Drive, from First Landing Park on the east to Lynnhaven Inlet on the west. The ultimate drainage service area extends to the north and south of Shore Drive to serve surrounding neighborhoods.

Historical Synopsis

• Phase I, Section I consists of seven sub-sections with three pump stations and automated tide gate protection. A Tidal and Rainfall Flooding Evaluation was completed on Sept. 7, 2010, followed by a Feasibility Analysis for Near Term Backflow Prevention that was completed on June 18, 2013. 
  • The project then entered detailed design with an alternatives evaluation phase that was completed in Summer 2018. 
• Final design is currently underway for Section 1B and Sections 1C and 1D. Design for the first construction project (Interim Section 1C.1) has been completed. This initial project was advertised for bids on April, 28 2019, and bid opening occurred on July 23, 2019. The project will include improvements to the Cape Henry Canal, storm drain improvements along several side streets south of Shore Drive and associated utility adjustments. 
  • These improvements are part of Section 1C and are necessary to accommodate drainage from the future Shore Drive Corridor Improvements – Phase III project. The total low bid amount was $4.6 million submitted by Tidewater Utility Construction. Project was Awarded with Notice to Proceed Nov. 4, 2019.
• During Hurricane Dorian (September 2019), the automated tide gates installed in June 2017 protected Cape Henry Drive and Cape Story by the Sea residents from an additional one foot of flooding, which would have caused structural damage as depicted by the images below.
• For the Phase I, Section II Poinciana Pump Station project in the Cape Story by the Sea area, Whitman, Requardt and Associates, LLP was retained to develop a comprehensive drainage analysis and identify improvements to address flooding issues. Findings were documented in a Preliminary Engineering Report dated October 2018.