Construction has begun on the Ohio Creek Watershed Project! MEB is excited to be a part of the coastal resilience initiative in Hampton Roads addressing threats of sea-level rise and land subsidence in Norfolk, Virginia. Over the past several months, MEB has worked closely with the City of Norfolk Government to optimize design, constructability, and cost on the project. This past week, we celebrated the groundbreaking with Governor Ralph Northam, Mayor Kenneth Alexander, and federal, state, and local partners.

Project features include flood protection via earthen berms, concrete retaining walls, raised roadways, stormwater and utility improvements, and two pump stations for stormwater removal from the Chesterfield Heights and Granby Village neighborhoods. The project also includes a Resilience Park connecting the neighborhoods with a multi-use sports field and common areas for community gatherings, sports, and play. Environmental assets such as a living shoreline, wetlands creations, and urban stormwater bioswales are also included in the project scope.

This project was made possible by a $112 million grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The project will reduce flooding, improve public spaces, and ensure these communities thrive for years to come.