Fourmile Canyon Flood Recovery
Unprecedented rainfall in north central Colorado caused a 100-year flood event, resulting in massive infrastructure damage still being addressed years later. Boulder County was hit particularly hard when 12-16 inches of rain, nine times the average September monthly rainfall total, fell in just four days. Hundreds of miles of roads were washed out. In some cases, small mountain towns were surrounded by water, making it impossible for residents to leave their homes.
To initiate reconstruction efforts, Benesch provided construction management and inspection (CM&I) services to address flood damage repairs in the Fourmile Canyon area, including four separate projects within one constrained corridor.
CM&I services included overseeing the construction of several different types of retaining walls, bridge and roadway reconstruction and stream restoration work. Along with oversight of the construction process, Benesch coordinated with both the Colorado Department of Transportation and Federal Emergency Management Agency to meet standards requirements.
A comprehensive coordination strategy was required to facilitate multiple simultaneous projects. CM&I services included overseeing the reconstruction of over ten miles of asphalt roadway, a bridge and several different types of retaining walls. Extensive public outreach and coordination was necessary throughout the projects.
Due to the size, locations and sequencing of the five projects, Benesch provided an abundance of inspectors with varying levels of experience and materials testing capabilities to meet fluctuating project demands. Careful tracking and attention to guidelines for various funding sources was a critical component for project success on these federally funded projects (FEMA and EWP).
Benesch utilized an extensive public involvement process to balance necessary infrastructure construction with minimal inconveniences to local businesses and residents. In addition, the Benesch team incorporated sound ecological practices during stream restoration and revegetation to establish a more sustainable and resilient watershed.
