Schultz Creek Drainage Improvements Project at US Hwy 180 experiences delays

The Schultz Creek Drainage Improvements Project at US HWY 180 has experienced delays from unforeseen developments in the relocation of existing utility lines. The project is now expected to be substantially complete by the last week of July. Road paving and landscaping will commence by mid-August.

The existing stormwater infrastructure at US Hwy 180 remains in place and will not be removed until the Drainage Improvements Project is complete. Flood risk to the area was significantly reduced in 2023 by the installation of detention basins upstream and the addition of a new 48-inch storm pipe near Fire Station No. 5. The current project will continue flood mitigation efforts by increasing the capacity of the culvert to accommodate a 100-year storm.

Residents of the Coconino Estates neighborhood are still encouraged to retain their sandbags until the project at US Hwy 180 is complete. Due to the delay, the volunteer sandbag removal event scheduled for July 20 is postponed. The July 27 sandbag removal event is still on schedule. Volunteers can sign up at bit.ly/2024sandbagvolunteers.

Sandbags continue to be available for pickup at Thorpe Park (500 N Aztec St., in the parking lot between Frances Short Pond and the softball fields). The area is clearly marked with signs.

Questions related to the Schultz Creek Drainage Improvements Project can be directed to Mac McNamara at [email protected]. Residents who are elderly or have a disability and need assistance with their sandbags can call the City's service request line at 928-213-2102.

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