Project Overview
Cameron Run is one of the City's floodways and a portion of the stream was modified to include weirs to trap sediment for later removal. The routine maintenance of removing sediment deposited in the channel is important to maintain the stream's capacity to safely convey floodwaters. This project aims to remove excess accumulated sediment from the Cameron Run streambed between Weird 3 (Near Eisenhower Ave. and Cameron Parke Ct.) and I-495 Beltway Bridge, which is managed by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). This will return conveyance capacity to the channel needed during flood events.
The project includes performing topographic survey, preparing streambed profiles to determine which accumulated sediments require removal, performing calculations to determine how much excess sediment has accumulated, performing additional geotechnical tests, preparing plan sets, and then removing all excess accumulated stream sediments and nuisance vegetation from the streambanks to return needed conveyance capacity to the stream.
- Status: In Design
- Total Estimated Cost: $1,300,000
- Funding Source: Stormwater Utility (SWU) Fee
Project Background
Cameron Run is a 42-square-mile watershed located largely within the Capital Beltway and drains to Hunting Creek and the Potomac River. The watershed is located within multiple jurisdictions including Fairfax County, Falls Church, and the City of Alexandria.
The project segment is located between Eisenhower Avenue and the I-495 corridor just upstream of the I-495 Capital Beltway Bridge and immediately downstream of Weir 3. Regular maintenance of the flood-carrying capacity of Cameron Run is critical to the health and safety of those living and/or working near Cameron Run.
The City of Alexandria performs periodic sediment and vegetation removal as part of the stream maintenance program under the City's Flood Action Alexandria initiative.
Accumulated sediment is removed from Cameron Run to help mitigate flooding impacts along Cameron Run where the City has jurisdictional responsibility, up to the City boundary at the I-496 Capital Beltway Bridge Right-of-Way.
Project Update
July 2025
Lat spring, significant progress was made on the Cameron Run Sediment Removal Project. The City's design contractor successfully completed a topographic survey along with sediment sampling to determine means of handling and disposing of the sediment to be removed, and moving along the design plans.
The sediment sampling and analyses determined the accumulated sediment does not contain pollutants or pose environmental hazards, and therefore does not require special handling. With this confirmation, the design consultant advanced the project by submitting the 60 percent design plans. These plans identify the sediment areas targeted for removal and recommend dredging methods that will ensure the work is completed safely without compromising the nearby City infrastructure.
Once finalized, the design plans will support the City in procuring a qualified general contractor to carry out the sediment removal work.
Currently, the City and the design consultant are coordinating efforts to locate underground utilities in the project area. Field crews are scheduled to be on site in late July to conduct test pits for locating gas lines and TV cables.
Stay tuned for further updates and opportunities to participate in the discussion.
Previous Project Updates
December 2024
The City initiated the design phase in December 2024 and has successfully procured a design contractor to develop the design plans and construction drawings.
As part of this process, data collection in the form of topographic survey and geotechnical sampling were completed in January. Prior to the start of field work, residents received notices to ensure awareness and minimize community impact.
Following the geotechnical sampling, the City has received hazardous material reports detailing field and laboratory findings to direct the handling and disposal of the accumulated sediment. The report indicated that soils do not contain materials above the state's action limits, therefore the removed sediment does not require special onsite handling or disposal.
Schedule
Design Procurement: July 2024
Design Start: November 2024
Construction Procurement: September 2025
Construction Start: January 2025
Complete By: June 2026
News and Public Announcements
January 2, 2025: Cameron Run Sediment Project Notice