E. Weatherspoon Street Culvert Expansion

E. Weatherspoon Street will be closed to between Hawkins Avenue and Third Street so that contractors can expand the culvert that allows Little Buffalo Creek to pass through.

Purpose
The project is a flood mitigation effort to reduce the risk of flooding along the path of Little Buffalo Creek. The existing culvert is insufficient to handle increasing amounts of stormwater brought by heavy rain events.

Included in the project's scope is the addition of a culvert "barrel" (or opening) that allows pedestrians to access the Sanford Municipal Center without having to cross traffic. The pedestrian connector will handle overflow stormwater during rain events, as needed.

The project is a critical component of the City’s flood management plan for downtown Sanford. Expanding the culvert helps mitigate flooding and connects the municipal center to the Sanford Central Green.

Future flood mitigation improvements include restoring the Little Buffalo Creek’s natural meandering path. The natural path will help slow stormwater and give the expanded culvert time to channel the water more effectively.

Detour Route
Residents of E. Weatherspoon Street will be granted access.
Traffic will be detoured to Charlotte Avenue and Third Street.

Funding
The project is funded by a $2.6 million Flood Mitigation Assistance grant from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Flood Resiliency Blueprint and N.C. Emergency Management for infrastructure projects to reduce flooding and associated damage.

Project Contact
Mary DePina, City of Sanford Civil Engineer II
919-777-1121