Project Background
The West Toll Gate Creek watershed extends from north of Smoky Hill Road and west of E-470 to the north to its confluence with East Toll Gate Creek. This study is focused specifically on the tributaries of West Toll Gate Creek. The total area of West Toll Gate Creek watershed is approximately 23.4 square miles, with approximately 7.9 square miles encompassing the tributaries of interest. The tributaries included in this major drainageway plan are:
- Helena Circle Tributary
- Woodrim Tributary
- Cherry Creek Spillway
- Meadowood Creek
- Mission Viejo Tributary
- Los Ninos Tributary
- Summer Valley Ranch Tributary
- Summer Lake Tributary
- Marina Park Tributary
- Tower Road Tributary
- Smoky Ridge Tributary
- Himalaya Tributary
- Park View Tributary
The main objective of this study is to update the hydrology, identify flood risk and drainage problems, evaluate alternative solutions to alleviate problems, and prepare a conceptual design of the selected alternative for the tributaries of West Toll Gate Creek. A Major Drainageway Plan for West Toll Gate Creek was previously completed in 2012. However, this study focused on the main channel of West Toll Gate Creek and not its tributaries. Meadowood Creek was studied in 2017 as part of an Outfall Systems Plan. This major drainageway plan will provide an update to the findings included in that study.
The information from this study will provide a guide for project sponsors to use for floodplain management, future planning, and future construction projects for the selected tributaries.
Key project tasks include the following:
- Develop hydrology that reflects the existing land uses
- Identify existing flooding, conveyance problems, and bridge and culvert overtopping issues
- Develop drainage improvement alternatives
- Hold a public open house to obtain input from the public on the project and findings
- Develop a conceptual design of the alternative selected by the project sponsors
The project sponsors are the Mile High Flood District (MHFD), City of Aurora, and Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority (SEMSWA).