| New Jersey Section of American Water Resources Association (NJ-AWRA) |
The New Jersey Section of the American Water Resources Association (NJ-AWRA) |
Queen Ditch Restoration Project
Primary Partners: CDM Smith and The City of Newark
Location: City of Newark, Essex County, New Jersey
Motorists in Newark, NJ had become accustomed to stormwater flooding within the intersection of Frelinghuysen Avenue and Nobel Streets as well as the Meeker Avenue underpass along Route 22. During rain events, officials with the Newark Department of Public Safety routinely issued public alerts advising drivers to avoid these streets and use alternative routes. Even moderate rainfall events have been known to cause recurring property damage and, in some instances, left motorists stranded. To reduce the frequency and severity of this flooding, the City of Newark, through the Department of Water & Sewer Utilities, decided to upgrade and improve the Queen Ditch drainage facilities located near the terminus of International Way. Conducted in partnership with the NJDEP and the USEPA, this $5.9 million project included the installation of a new 108" x 60" concrete box culvert and a new trash netting facility that will prevent street debris and litter from entering surrounding waterways. In addition to this grey infrastructure, project construction also included the dredging and restoration of the Queen Ditch itself, resulting in the restoration of a critical wetland habitat amid a highly developed industrial area of the City.
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