Sept. 3, 2020
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Please review the two attachments which detail the work being done in Basin I (vicinity of the Duck Pond) and Basin II (vicinity of Southside Park).
Basin I (vicinity of Duck Pond)
The Mossy Oaks Project had another very busy week. The infamous “Jane Way Canal” is in the final stages of being graded at the correct level, with years of accumulated silt being removed. This work paves the way to ultimately correct the drainage crossing First Boulevard and leading to the Duck Pond, then out to Battery Creek. Finally, given an expected very active hurricane season, BJWSA and Dominion Energy continue to work hand in hand with the Mossy Oaks project to relocate utility service to accommodate the improved drainage pipes.
While these utility service interruptions are disruptive in the short term, the long-term benefits are not in dispute. The drainage improvements will provide relief to those who have endured repeated flooding. We are grateful to both BJWSA and Dominion Energy for being terrific partners and for their responsiveness and sense of urgency.
Next week, utility relocation and drainage improvement work will continue on Jane Way, West Royal Oaks, South Royal Oaks, North Royal Oaks, Coates, and First Boulevard. The work being done in these areas will include gas and water relocations, pipe installation, ditch grading, and tree and silt removal. Those who will be affected by utility interruptions have been or are in the process of being notified.
Finally, the Spanish Moss Trail is closed between Rodgers and Broome as the sheet pile wall is installed. Many thanks to the Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail for attending construction meetings and placing detour signs alerting trail patrons to the construction work.
We appreciate your patience and understanding given the increased construction traffic and utility service interruptions.
Basin II (vicinity of Southside Park)
In Basin II, work is currently being done on Battery Creek and Lawton Farm Road concurrently. Drainage pipes are being installed on Battery Creek Road near the vicinity of the BJWSA pump station to the west of Southside Park. This improvement will help stormwater drain more effectively, particularly during storms.
Finally, drainage in the vicinity of Broad Street is being improved. This includes removing trees and vegetation from the stormwater ditch and installing drainage pipe at the appropriate elevation. This work will significantly reduce the amount of flooding caused by extreme rain and storms. A tree survey has been conducted in the vicinity of Broad Street. We’re being very careful to remove as few trees as possible so long as those trees don’t interfere with drainage.
Safety!
We have put more traffic signs throughout the work area. We thank the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and the Beaufort Police Department for their increased patrols, which are helping to make a very safe environment for all those traveling through the area.
Please continue to exercise great caution when driving, riding bikes or simply walking. Again, I, the work crews, and their families thank you in advance for maintaining a very safe environment for all of us.
Stay informed
Finally, please encourage all those affected or interested in the Mossy Oaks Project to register with the “Notify Me” application found on the City of Beaufort website (https://www.cityofbeaufort.org/list.aspx) and subscribe to the Mossy Oaks Stormwater Project updates. This allows you to receive near real-time updates on the project, including urgent issues like unscheduled road closures or utility interruptions.
We remain on track for an on-time and on-budget delivery of this project in the December-January timeframe.
As always, I’m available anytime to address comments, concerns or questions. Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day Holiday. We continue to make progress!
Neal Pugliese, Col USMC (Ret)
Chairman
Mossy Oaks Multijurisdictional Drainage Task Force
npugliese@cityofbeaufort.org