Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Rolling Ridge Flood Mitigation Nearing Completion



The shots above were taken from the same vantage point near Devonshire CT and Rolling Ridge DR.  The top image shows the latest view as of 8/23; middle photo was taken after the initial clearing; bottom photo is a "before" view.  

 The City of Waukesha has promised to plant additional trees along the Rolling Ridge terraces in the future.  In addition, fencing, similar to the split rail style located further up Rolling Ridge, may be added to the areas where the box culverts are located.  

Presently, the sides of the "new" ditch include plants that are designed to grow quickly to aid in preventing erosion.  Many of these plants are annuals and should not reappear next year.  You may have noticed our birds have planted some sunflowers and corn as well. 

The maintenance of the ditches will include a cut of approximately 10' with the remainder being allowed to grow naturally.  The City has promised to cut back unwanted vegetation every 5 years. 



Friday, July 16, 2021

Rolling Ridge Project Engineer Responds to Questions

 

 Below in red are the responses to a series of questions that Turnberry CT resident Greg Millen presented to the Rolling Ridge Project engineer Kristian Nysome.  If you would like  to be added to the email list for updates from Kristian Nysome, feel free to email him using the contact info. at the bottom. 

 

Hi Greg,

 

See below, in red, for responses.

 

1. What is planned for the restoration of the creek area?

                A native grass seed mix will be used for the ditch side slopes and the bottom will contain 4”-8” diameter natural stone.

2. Will it include not just grasses and some terrace trees but various tree species that restore the character and uniqueness of the neighborhood?

The City is planning to plant new trees along the terrace upon completion of the project. Species of tree to be planted is TBD by City Forestry

as they are experienced at selecting tree species that best fit the neighborhood they will be planted in.

3. Who will maintain the areas?

                The City will be responsible for maintaining the drainage ditch per stormwater best management practices.

4. Will the residents see a planned mock-up of the restoration before the work begins?

                A set of plans is available upon request, but an artistic rendering is not available.

5. Will the residents and/or HOA have any input?

                No, restoration guidelines were established in conjunction with the WDNR.

6. If the new depth of the open creek proves to be dangerous (too close to the sidewalk) will the city install fencing?

                The proposed ditch grading will make the side slopes more gradual than the existing condition. The need for fencing will be evaluated upon completion of the project.

7. Since the City is the owner of the "navigable" waterway, will the small trees currently growing in the ditch near Dartmoor Ct. be removed by the City?

                This is not anticipated as part of this project at this time; however, the area will be monitored and work may be planned in the future if any issues, such as erosion, arise.

 

Lastly, many residents are asking the question why this was necessary?  We understand the degradation of the creek and larger culverts for water control, but flooding has not been an issue for the 40+ years we've lived in this area.  A brief explanation from the City would help the residents to understand the necessity for the scope of this project.

The purpose of this project is to alleviate flooding issues that are experienced along and downstream of Rolling Ridge Drive during heavy rain events. This area was identified by City residents that were experiencing flooding. The areas were also identified and analyzed in the City-Wide Storm Water Management Plan (2014), in the regions referred to as Areas 1 & 2.  This was further analyzed in 2017 as part of the preliminary design.  This project is a continuation of the work in 2020 which replaced the undersized culverts at several locations along Rolling Ridge Drive as well as work completed as part of the Waukesha West Bypass. The City-Wide Storm Water Management Plan (2014) and the Area 1 and 2 Flood Mitigation Alternatives Analysis Report (2017) can both be found at https://waukesha-wi.gov/496/Flooding.

 

 

Thanks,

 

Kristian Nysome

Project Engineer

City of Waukesha – Engineering Division

201 Delafield St. Waukesha, WI 53188

O: (262) 524-3578

M: (262) 225-8327

Email:  KNysome@waukesha-wi.gov

 

Saturday, June 19, 2021

City Preparing to Deepen Creekbed Along Rolling Ridge


From: Kristian E. Nysome <KNysome@waukesha-wi.gov>
Date: Fri, Jun 18, 2021 at 1:51 PM
Subject: Area 1 & 2 Flood Mitigation (Rolling Ridge Ditch Grading) Project Update 

To:Windings Residents

Good Afternoon,

The Rolling Ridge Ditch Grading project is anticipated to start mid-to-late next week, June 21-25 (weather dependent).

The grading project will consist of the following work:

  • Clearing and Grubbing
  • Grading
  • Seeding and restoration

Future Work (week of June 21):

  • Clearing and grubbing is anticipated to start mid-to-late next week (see attached project limits map for the grading limits).

Traffic Restrictions:

  • None - traffic and access to driveways will be maintained throughout the project. Traffic control will be placed along the shoulder of Rolling Ridge Dr, as needed.

Please feel free to call or email with any questions or concerns.

Thanks,

Kristian Nysome

Project Engineer

City of Waukesha – Engineering Division

201 Delafield St. Waukesha, WI 53188

O: (262) 524-3578  M: (262) 225-8327

 

 

Friday, April 9, 2021

Update From the City RE: Rolling Ridge Flood Mitigation

Below is a summary from the City's engineer regarding the upcoming project that will deepen the creek bed (AKA "open channel" or "ditch") along Rolling Ridge Drive. 

Frank,

The project is moving along with recent field inspections by DNR and other consultant staff as you have noticed.  The project is anticipated to start following the receipt of DNR permits in late June.

 

Kristian Nysome in the Engineering Office will be managing the project and is included in this email.  He will be sending out a project information letter to residents in the next two weeks that includes the planned project scope, timeframe and contact information.

 

This is the next phase of the project, following the upsizing of the culverts that was completed last year, to alleviate the flooding issues in the area that were identified through the City's Storm Water Management Plan. The project is required to reduce property damage risks and improve safety.

 

The project is being permitted through the DNR and the notice for the public comment period will be sent out by them as necessary based on their permitting process.  These are expected to be sent out in the next couple of weeks.

 

The trees in the ditch area have been evaluated and those that are considered non-invasive, in good condition, and do not directly impact the goal of the project will be worked around.  In addition, it is planned to add new City trees along project limits following the completion of the project.

 

Christopher Langemak, P.E.

Project Engineer

City of Waukesha

P: 262-524-3598

C: 262-349-6512

Saturday, January 23, 2021

DPW Announces 2021 Projects; Will Include Rolling Ridge "Ditch Grading"


This is page 3 from the City of Waukesha's Dept. of Public Works (DPW) Winter 2021 newsletter.  All City of Waukesha residents should have received this newsletter.  You may have to expand the photo, but #12 on the list is the second phase of the flood mitigation efforts that began this summer with the installation of box culverts along the creek bed or open channel along Rolling Ridge Drive.  This work took place prior to the repaving of Rolling Ridge and the adjacent courts.  

The "ditch grading" that is listed will result in the deepening of the creek bed to match the depth of the newly installed box culverts from Devonshire Court down to University Drive. The project still has to be approved by the DNR following public hearings. 

In order to deepen the creek bed, numerous dead and living trees will have to be cleared, along with bushes and other vegetation.  Many dead and diseased trees will be removed but a fair number of healthy trees may have to be removed as well.  We hope that when more details about the project are shared with us, we will have a better understanding of the potential impact on the appearance of the area along the creek bed.

We will be watching for information about the public hearing that will be conducted by the DNR and the City prior to the start of the project.  Stay tuned. 
 

Friday, January 15, 2021

Initial Meadowview Park Projects Completed


The bridge along the walking path at Waukesha's newest City park, Meadowview, has been completed.  In addition, the playground is now fully operational and is being visited often despite the snow and cool temperatures.  

Meadowview Park is located at the corner of Northview and Meadowbrook Roads.  The park's master plan calls for numerous other projects, but there is no timeline set for those additions at the present time. 

To view the City's master plan for Meadowview Park, select the link below:

https://waukesha-wi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5945/17_0411_MV_MP_Report1?bidId=