Project Summary
Phase: Design
Status: Active
Location: Potomac West
Managing Dept.: Project Implementation
Sponsor Dept.: Transportation & Environmental Services
Project Description
The Bellefonte Avenue Storm Drain Improvement project will reduce flood risk for homes within East Bellefonte Avenue, East Howell Avenue, and Clyde Avenue by improving the local drainage system. The project consists of upsizing and relocating the storm pipe currently beneath homes between East Howell Avenue and East Bellefonte Avenue to the right-of-way along the gravel alleyway. Additionally, the existing inlets will be replaced by larger ones to provide greater capacity at the E Bellefonte Avenue low spots. The work will also consider realigning storm drains where necessary.
Progress update
November 2025
Stormwater Improvements on Bellefonte & Howell Avenues
The City completed a review of the 30% design plans and issued comments in late September. A geotechnical investigation is planned to locate subsurface gas lines within the work area.
A test pitting operation using a mechanized drilling rig was completed in early November along East Howell Avenue and East Bellefonte Avenue.
During the design review, the City identified utility conflicts and directed our design consultant to coordinate with the gas and water utility providers to resolve the conflicts. Additionally, coordination has been held with the City’s sanitary sewer team to find a solution to the sewer pipe in the alleyway. Finally, the City is also coordinating with Dominion Energy to relocate a utility pole in the alleyway.
Looking ahead, the City will host a first community meeting following the completion of the 30% design on December 8, 2025, at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Avenue, starting at 7 p.m. During the meeting, the City will:
- Share updates on project progress
- Highlight possible impacts to the neighborhood
- Invite resident feedback on the proposed design
The meeting will be held both in person and online using Zoom. Prior registration is required for online using the link below:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uDCTcBoGQoCejzr_4lE6OA
Stay tuned for future updates and opportunities to get involved in the conversation!
Funding
Project Budget: $1,560,000
Funding Source: Stormwater Utility Fee
CIP Section: Stormwater Management
Learn more about the City of Alexandria's Fiscal Year Budget.
Schedule
- Design procurement: September 2024
- Design start: April 2025
- Construction procurement: April 2026
- Construction start: August 2025
- Complete by: September 2027
Project Phases
Project Background
The City has been experiencing widespread flooding due to an increase in high-intensity rainfall events, which are attributed to climate change. As a result, residents of Bellefonte Avenue have been facing frequent localized flooding. Several residents have reported in-home flooding because the current curb inlets are unable to capture the excess water. These frequent flooding incidents support the findings from the City of Alexandria’s Storm Sewer Capacity Analysis (CASSCA). This increased flooding is attributed to old infrastructure, the design criteria in place at the time of construction, and the impact from climate change.
Planning
The Bellefonte Avenue Storm Drain Improvement project planning phase is complete. The investigation of neighborhood flooding study is now available, which includes site evaluation, CCTV inspection, hydraulic modeling verification, solution development and cost estimates. The project will be in the design and construction phases once the project budget is available. The estimated timeline for design is FY2025 and for construction FY2026.
Design
The investigation of the Bellefonte Avenue neighborhood flooding Study is complete, and the project is currently in the design stage. The City is in the process of procuring a design contractor to produce the construction drawings. Upon awarding a contract to a design firm, the City plans to meet with residents and stakeholders. Notices will be distributed to residents before the start of work.
Contacts
For the community:
Wael Eltayeb, P.E.
Project Manager
703.746.4217 (Office)
703.512.6253 (Direct)