Eisenhower Culvert Improvement Project
Current Phase: Design
Sponsor Project Manager: Haweni Gobena, Department of Transportation and Environmental Services
Managing Project Manager: Alex Haptemariam, Department of Project Implementation
Project Description
The Eisenhower Culverts Improvement Project aims to address the deterioration of the existing galvanized corrugated metal pipe arches that serve as critical stormwater discharge conduits from Lake Cook to Cameron Run.
The project seeks to repair or replace these culverts to provide reliable drainage, mitigate potential flooding risks, and protect the surrounding environment, including the vegetated outfall buffer near Cameron Run Regional Park. The goal of the project is to enhance the culverts' structural integrity and functionality, supporting long-term stormwater management for the City of Alexandria.
Progress Update
October 2026
Project Status:
City departments have completed their review of the 100% design plans, cost estimate, and specifications. The comments from the City have been provided to the consultant for incorporation into the final documents. The City also applied for a general environmental permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
Next Steps:
The City is preparing presentation materials for the second public meeting, anticipated to take place at the end of November 2026.
Details about the meeting, including the date, time, and location, will be shared once they are finalized.
The City will continue to provide updates as the design and review process progresses.
Project Funding
Total Project Budget: $2,126,386
Planning: $50,600
Design: $345,513
Construction: $1,730,273
Project Schedule
Planning: January 2024 - Fall 2025
Design: Summer 2026 - Summer 2027
Construction: Fall 2027 - Fall 2028
Project schedules are subject to change as design, review, permitting, and construction planning progress.
Planning Phase
The City of Alexandria plans to repair the existing galvanized corrugated metal pipe arches at the Eisenhower culverts, which serve as discharge point for Lake Cook, allowing water to flow under Eisenhower Avenue into Cameron Run. These culverts are situated between Eisenhower Avenue and Lake Cook, near Cameron Run Regional Park.
The culverts are in poor condition, particularly at the pipe wall-invert interface. Severe corrosion, section loss, scouring, and undermining have been observed, with significant deterioration at the outfall. Additionally, debris buildup, vegetation, and sediment are obstructing the inlet, whole asphalt lining failures, cracks, exposed metal, and gaps between pipe sections further compromise the structure.
To address these concerns, the City has approved a proposal for a structural consultant to conduct a structural assessment (SCA) for the Eisenhower Culverts Improvement Project. The assessment will evaluate the overall condition, identify deficiencies, and provide recommendations for maintenance, repairs, or replacement. The project will be funded through the Stream and Channel Maintenance Program.
On May 15, 2025, the City held a public meeting to present the project. Notices were sent to 227 nearby residents and HOAs.
Future outreach will be shared in advance.