Bee Branch Railroad Culverts Project Update

Water Level Control Structure Testing Complete

In addition to six new stormwater pipes under the railroad tracks, the Bee Branch Railroad Culverts Project includes a water level control structure on the downstream side of the project. The gate and pumping system will prevent water from backing up into the Upper Bee Branch when the downstream water level is high. The gates weigh 54,000 lbs. each and were installed in late May 2021. Since then, crews have been working to finish the new system including the hydraulic arms that lower and raise the gates.

The project reached a significant milestone this week when Tricon Construction successfully completed testing to verify the gates are watertight. They will now begin working on the upstream (Garfield Ave.) side of the project to transition the temporary water flow from the original Bee Branch culverts to the six new stormwater pipes. Once the transition is finished later this month, the new system will not yet be complete but will be functional to convey stormwater.

For more information, visit www.cityofdubuque.org/beebranchrailroadculverts.

Water level control structure in June 2021

Above: The water level control structure gates were installed in late May 2021.

Water Level Control Structure Water Testing

Above: Water testing on the downstream side of the new gate structure.

Photo of water testing inside the gate structure

Above: Water testing on the upstream side of the new gate structure.

Stormwater Improvements on W. 17th St.

New Storm Intakes Installed

In April 2021, W. 17th St. closed for Bee Branch-related stormwater improvements. The work involved extending the new 10-foot x 5-foot box culvert at Heeb St. approximately 30 feet west. Two storm intakes that span the entire width of W. 17th St. were installed east of Heeb St. to capture overland drainage before it reaches Central Ave. The project required total street and sidewalk reconstruction. Construction was completed in June 2021.

The City's ultimate goal is to expand the storm sewer up W. 17th St. to W. Locust St. and continuing up W. Locust St. toward Kirkwood St. However, the project schedule and limits will be contingent on funding. More information regarding future phases of construction will be shared as soon as it becomes available.

Above: An aerial photo of the W. 17th St. stormwater improvements in May 2021.

StoryWalk® at the Bee Branch Creek Greenway

A new book every month!

This summer, the Carnegie-Stout Public Library installed a StoryWalk® at the Bee Branch Creek Greenway. StoryWalk® combines the joy of reading with all the benefits of being active outside! The pages of a children’s book are placed in holders along a path. As you walk the path you discover page after page, and soon after a short stroll, you have read a story!

The StoryWalk® at the Bee Branch begins by the E. 22nd St. bus stop, crosses the bridge, follows the creek up to E. 24th St., and ends near the green slides and greenway parking lot. A new children's book will be installed each month!

This month's book is Hooray for Hat!, an irresistible story about friendship, sharing, and fabulous hats! For even more fun — wear a fun hat while you read the story or download and explore the Hooray for Hat! activity kit before or after your visit to the Bee Branch!

Above: The StoryWalk® at the Bee Branch begins near the bus stop on E. 22nd St.

New Storm Drain Mural Near Prescott School

Clean Water Happy Otter

Dubuque's newest storm drain mural was designed and painted by local artist Emily Cotton Cram and is located near Prescott Elementary School at 13th St. and White St.

There are now eight storm drain murals located throughout the Bee Branch Watershed. They serve as colorful reminders that storm drains are a direct connection to our waterways and that through our choices and actions, we can make a positive impact on the health and safety of our environment!

See photos and a map of the murals, including an 8-mile storm drain mural bike tour!

Above: Clean Water Happy Otter storm drain mural by artist Emily Cotton Cram.

Looking Ahead: Trail Construction in 2022 and 2023

Looking ahead to 2022 and 2023, the City plans to expand the trail system along the Lower Bee Branch Creek and 16th St. Detention Basin.

The Lower Bee Branch Trail Project will be constructed in two phases. Phase 1, scheduled for construction in the spring of 2022, will extend south from the existing Lower Bee Branch Trail across the Sycamore St. bridge, then southeast under U.S. Highway 61/151 along the shoreline of the 16th St. Detention Basin, then south to 12th St. adjacent to the Alliant Energy solar array, then east towards Kerper Blvd.

Phase 2, scheduled for construction in 2023, will begin where the Phase 1 project ends along 12th Street. Phase 2 will circle the 16th St. Detention Basin along its southern shoreline parallel to 12th St. and along its eastern shoreline parallel to Kerper Blvd. The 0.38-mile trail project will be built in compliance with ADA standards as a 10-foot-wide paved trail for pedestrians and bicyclists. A retaining wall will be required.

Above: In 2022 and 2023, the City plans to expand the trail system along the Lower Bee Branch Creek and 16th St. Detention Basin.

Stay Updated!

Follow the Bee Branch Project on Facebook to stay updated on construction projects and community outreach and education programs!

For more information about the Bee Branch Flood Mitigation Project, visit www.cityofdubuque.org/beebranch.