Vehicles turn around as storm runoff floods Grand Teton Drive near Grand Canyon Drive on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013.
Monday, March 17, 2014 | 11:59 a.m.
Construction started today on flood-control improvements along Grand Teton Drive to prevent flash flooding the northwest valley experienced during several rainstorms last year.
A gap in the drainage system along Grand Teton Drive between Hualapai Way and Tee Pee Lane led to storm water pouring onto and submerging a one-mile stretch of road several times in August, creating a dangerous situation for residents and a mess for city crews to clean up.
The $6.8 million project will fill the gap, creating a continuous underground flow that will keep water off the road.
Installing the 10-by-5-foot concrete box to carry the water is expected to be done by June, in time for monsoon season. Other road improvements, including resurfacing and widening, are expected to last through November. The project’s timeline was accelerated in September as a result of the flooding.
During construction, motorists will encounter detours along Grand Teton Drive and North Grand Canyon Drive.
The city is also planning a separate $15 million project along Grand Teton Drive between Durango Drive and Rainbow Boulevard to control flooding in that area, but no timeline has been set for its completion.
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