Project overview:
The $3.3-million Cherry Creek East Branch Flood Control Project reduced flooding in the vicinity of Braemar Road and Governors Highway in Flossmoor through construction of a new bypass channel and downstream flood shelf. Several collapsed culverts were replaced to convey flows from the Homewood-Flossmoor High School pond to Governors Highway. The project is a result of flooding concerns originally identified in the Little Calumet River Detailed Watershed Plan.
Project description:
Located along Governors Highway south of 183rd Street and north of Flossmoor Road, the project included a new 940-foot flood relief channel west of Governors Highway on Homewood-Flossmoor High School property, increased culvert capacity under Governors Highway, improved conveyance from the Homewood-Flossmoor High School pond with a new 48-inch culvert, and construction of channel improvements on Cherry Creek East Branch on property purchased from the Calvary Assembly of God Church.
Project impact:
The project reduced flood elevations along the Cherry Creek East Branch and mitigated flooding for portions of Governors Highway and Braemar Road. As a result of the improvements, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood plain map was updated, removing 16 homes and from the regulatory flood plain. In addition, the project served as an example of stormwater management and natural stream restoration for students at adjacent Homewood-Flossmoor High School.
Project timeline:
The Cherry Creek East Branch Flood Control Project was substantially completed in 2018. On Oct. 11, 2018, representatives from the MWRD, Village of Flossmoor, Homewood-Flossmoor High School District #233 and Calvary Assembly of God Church held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the project.
