Cherry Creek at 17-Mile House
Arapahoe County, Colorado
This project involved the restoration of an Arapahoe County open space area along Cherry Creek and included the development and implementation of GESC (Grading, Erosion, and Sediment Control) plans. Key elements included the restoration of a half-mile of the channel invert to its pre-incised condition, using innovative “riffle drop” grade control structures to stabilize the creek and raise it to its 1976 level. Flows were reintroduced to historic secondary channels, and a secondary channel was created to handle high runoff events, spreading and slowing flood velocities.
Public interaction was a major focus, with the creation of wagon trails, informal social trails, interpretive signage, horse crossings, and several new pedestrian crossings across the creek. Muller Engineering partnered with the sponsors to implement a comprehensive stream and overbank restoration approach, mitigating the previously degraded channel.
This project won the 2007 Grand Award for Engineering Excellence from the Colorado Association of Stormwater and Floodplain Managers (CASFM).
OWNER
Mile High Flood District
SERVICES
Stormwater & Floodplain Management
EXTERNAL lINK
AWARDS
- 2007 Grand Award for Engineering Excellence from the Colorado Association of Stormwater and Floodplain Managers (CASFM)
Statistics
8 Drop Structures | 0.67 Miles of Stream Restoration/Stream Design | 0.17 Trail Miles