Boneyard Creek Construction

The current phase of the Boneyard Creek project – the Second Street Detention project – is scheduled to be completed in December, 2010. This is the 2nd of 7 phases. However, it may be decades before phase 3 begins due to the higher priority need for sewer improvements in the City.

According to Eleanor Blackmon, Assistant City Engineer, the goals for the Boneyard Creek Second Street Detention project are to “provide a high quality, aesthetic public project that provides the following: 100 year flood protection downstream, further revitalization of the neighborhood, a recreational amenity, and enhanced circulation between the Campustown and Downtown.” To date, work has resulted in the creation of the:

▸ Healey Street Detention Basin (centered on Locust and Healey Streets)

▸ Campustown Channel and Detention Project (between First and Wright Streets)

▸ U of I Boneyard Creek Improvements (between Wright Street and Lincoln Avenue)

▸ Scott Park Drainage Improvements

Currently, the City is completing the Second Street Basin and the Storm Sewer Project. The Second Street Basin (along Second Street from Springfield Avenue to University Avenue) will consist of 2 detention basins with retaining walls on the east side of both basins and on both sides of White Street. The east side of the South Basin will feature a promenade which will be 4 feet lower than sidewalk on the west side of Second Street. The South Basin will have a permanent pond at the bottom while the North Basin will have the Boneyard Creek flowing across the bottom of the basin. Other features will include the integration of the historic Stone Arch Bridge, various plantings including a rain garden, parking improvements, benches, trash receptacles and drinking fountains.

The Storm Sewer Project will reduce flooding at the railroad viaducts and along Logan, Clark, and Randolph Streets. This will be accomplished by constructing an 8′ x 6′ storm sewer that will discharge into the Second Street Basin. Tributary storm sewers are also being built. Logan/Clark Streets and Water Street will be reconstructed with streetscape features and new street lighting. Landscaping will be added along Logan and Clark Streets. Bicycle land striping will be added to Logan, Clark, and Randolph Streets. In addition, two former railroad siding bridges will be removed to improve the Logan Street corridor appearance and remove the need for bridge repairs.

To learn more about the details and schedule for this project, visit the City’s website.