The West Columbus Local Flood Protection Project was comprised of five contracts that were designed and constructed over a 10-year period to provide a seven-mile-long barrier around the historic Franklinton area just west of downtown Columbus.
Designed by B&N for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Huntington District, the structure helps protect the area from flooding and eliminated the need for residents and businesses to purchase flood insurance in the Franklinton and Scioto Peninsula neighborhoods.
The Impact
The floodwall’s impact extends beyond addressing insurance concerns. It increased the land values that define the area today and paved the way for revitalization and economic growth. This includes the estimated $250 million Phase I redevelopment of East Franklinton that will be home to new residential, office, commercial and hotel space, with more than $1 billion of development anticipated to follow.
Additional enhancements to the downtown area that followed the floodwall’s establishment include the revitalization of Whittier Peninsula with the Scioto Audubon Metro Park, reconstruction of the Rich Street Bridge, the development of the Scioto Mile Park and more.
The Design
Aesthetic concerns shaped the design process. Portions of the concrete I-wall feature a textured surface and extensive landscape plantings that enhance the project’s appearance. Storm drainage behind the floodwall was rerouted and improved, and a bike trail provides recreational access to the downtown area along the Scioto River. B&N also was responsible for preparing contract amendments, reviewing shop drawings, preparing contract modifications, site visits, and “as-built” drawings.
Key elements included:
- 12,500 ft. of concrete floodwall up to 13 feet high
- 5,200 ft. of earthen levee up to 12 feet high
- 6,500 ft. of high ground
- 3 stoplog gate closures with storage buildings
- 6 sandbag closures
- 5,100 ft. of 120-inch sanitary sewer
- 355 ft. of 14-foot-diameter tunnel
Honors & Awards
B&N received the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Ohio Grand Award for services on the West Columbus Local Protection Project, as well as the Commander’s Award for Public Service from the U.S. Department of the Army.