This major storm drainage channel is located near the northwest corner of Junction City along the west side of North Jackson Street (Highway K-57). The highway corridor provides new visitors a first impression of the City, but the existing road ditch had steep, weedy side slopes that were regarded as an eyesore and made maintenance difficult.

To analyze existing conditions and make recommendations for the size and shape of the new channel section, HEC-HMS modeling software was utilized to calculate the peak runoff and routing flow results, which were then entered into HEC-RAS modeling software for generation of water surface profiles.

After completing a hydrologic analysis, BG Consultants designed 2,200 feet of channel improvements that featured terraced modular block retaining walls and a permeable ditch liner system in the bottom of the channel. This improvement increased the hydraulic efficiency of the channel, while the curving alignment of the channel walls created an attractive appearance. Additionally, a fully-landscaped linear park with an 87-foot pedestrian bridge was designed on the non-highway side of the channel.

This major project required an extensive coordination effort with administrative agencies and permit agencies including KDOT, Kansas Division of Water Resources, KDHE, and the Corps of Engineers. The project resulted in a beautiful and functional gateway into the City that fulfilled the aspirations of the community.