Marcy Gulch Channel Stabilization
Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Muller provided design for stream stabilization improvements for approximately 3 miles of a tributary to the South Platte River called Marcy Gulch. The goal of the project was to devise an economical plan to address bank erosion and channel degradation; protect existing utilities, trails, parks, and residential property within the corridor; and, enhance riparian habitat and water quality. The project involved channel hydraulic evaluations, development of an overall channel stabilization plan, evaluation of alternative drop structure types, and preparation of a project cost opinion.
Improvements were designed and constructed in three phases and included 18 soil cement drop structures to control degradation, soil cement bank protection, a grouted boulder drop structure, pedestrian box culvert trail crossings, a pedestrian bridge crossing, an improved outlet structure for an existing detention basin, a new storm sewer system, storm sewer outfall modifications, channel grading, and bank stabilization using bioengineering techniques. Coordination with Douglas County was also required. Muller also provided construction management services for all of the phases and followed up with a spring planting phase that included revegetation of the channel with willows, grass plugs, cottonwoods, and upland shrubs.
OWNER
Highlands Ranch Metro District
SERVICES
Transportation Planning & Design
Traffic Engineering & ITS
Stormwater & Floodplain Management
EXTERNAL lINK
AWARDS
- 2003 American Public Works Association (APWA) Public Works Project Award
- 2003 Colorado Association of Stormwater and Floodplain Managers (CASFM) Grand Award Finalist
- 2004 International Erosion Control Association (IECA) Environmental Achievement Grand Award
Statistics
1 Pedestrian Bridge | 1 Concrete Box Culvert | 19 Drop Structures | 1 Pedestrian Underpass | 83 Storm Drains | 1 Major Storm Drain Outfall | 3 Stream Designs