Design and Construction Program Notes

By Paul A. Hindman, P.E., Manager, Design, Construction, and Maintenance Program

In 2006 the Design and Construction program continued to assist local governments in designing and building many major flood control projects.  Internally, we reorganized the programs which are described in an article found elsewhere in this Flood Hazard News.

Throughout the entire program, in 2006 we committed $5.8 million to projects.  As shown in the attached table, the Design and Construction Program continues to manage over 100 projects.  Some have been ongoing for many years with multiple phases while others are just getting started.

This past year a couple of projects were of special note.  The first project is the Cherry Creek Open Space in Arapahoe County.  This project incorporated a new type of drop structure called a “Riffle” drop that was designed by Muller engineering.  It mimics a mountain stream bed by using a variety of different types and gradations of rock, both fractured and cobble. 

Cal Hoffman with his mule train

Several dignitaries were in attendance at the project opening festivities, which included a western barbeque and a mule wagon ride on a wagon path that was created as part of the project.  Even the mules agreed that the project was a success.

The second project of note for 2006 was the Van Bibber project in Arvada.  This was a joint project with the City of Arvada and the Corps of Engineers.  It took over twenty (20) years to complete.  A big thanks to Ken MacKenzie of our staff who persevered through the final design and construction of the project.  On the next page are several pictures of the completed projects.

Riffle drop on Cherry Creek	Congressman Bob Beauprez speaks at the Van Bibber Creek project ground breaking ceremony

The Van Bibber Creek project was very complex, requiring the use of grass-lined channels, vertical wall channels and a large box culvert.