Overton Road Bank Restoration Project

Pueblo County Colorado

Project Details

  • Bank ID Numbers: PC070
  • Project Channel Length: 1,000 feet
  • Estimated Project Cost: $1.0 Million
  • Completion: June 2020
A dry riverbed with sandy banks, sparse vegetation, and distant trees under a blue sky with clouds.
View of Overton Road before bank restoration.
Excavators are working on a site with dirt and rocks near a shallow waterway, under a cloudy sky.
View of Overton Road at early stages of development.
A construction site with a worker in a yellow vest and a large excavator moving earth near a dry, sandy area.
Overton road during project development.
A riverbank lined with sandbags and burlap, alongside sparse trees and a cloudy sky, suggesting flood prevention efforts.
View of Overton Road and Fountain Creek.
A river curves through a landscape of sandy banks and green vegetation under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Overton Road project after vegetation installation.
A serene landscape featuring a winding river, lush greenery, and a clear blue sky. Perfect for outdoor scenery!
View of Overton Road after bank restoration.
A dry riverbed with sandy banks, sparse vegetation, and distant trees under a blue sky with clouds.
Excavators are working on a site with dirt and rocks near a shallow waterway, under a cloudy sky.
A construction site with a worker in a yellow vest and a large excavator moving earth near a dry, sandy area.
A riverbank lined with sandbags and burlap, alongside sparse trees and a cloudy sky, suggesting flood prevention efforts.
A river curves through a landscape of sandy banks and green vegetation under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A serene landscape featuring a winding river, lush greenery, and a clear blue sky. Perfect for outdoor scenery!

Project Summary

The Overton Road Stabilization and Restoration Project restored a highly eroding section of Fountain Creek near the former Pinon Road bridge crossing. The project was designed to reduce erosion, decrease sediment entering the creek, improve floodplain function, and create a more stable channel for future flood events.

The original Pinon Road bridge collapsed during the 1999 flood, which peaked at approximately 18,900 cfs. Although a new bridge was later constructed farther downstream, much of the old road remained in place. This created a constriction in the floodplain that contributed to erosion and instability during later floods. Additional flooding in 2013 and 2015 removed portions of Overton Road and required the roadway to be realigned.

Studies completed through the WARSSS identified this reach as a major source of sediment, contributing an estimated 16,000 tons annually. To improve floodplain function and stabilize the creek, the FCWD realigned the channel, removed approximately 700 feet of the old roadway, and restored native vegetation throughout the project area. Using 2D hydraulic modeling, Matric Engineering found significant reductions in velocities during large floods due to increased floodplain capacity- the estimated maximum velocity for the 100-year event was reduced from 23 feet per second to 15 feet per second. Other design elements included riprap protection in the outer bends and revegetation of all the disturbed areas, including 34,000 willow stakes, 340 cottonwood poles, and 3.8 acres of riparian and upland seed. Tezak Heavy Equipment completed construction of the project in May 2020.

Why This Project?

FCWD restored the reach by realigning the creek away from the unstable east bank and creating a more stable channel designed to function more naturally during high flows. The project also removed barriers to reopening valuable floodplain areas and allowed floodwaters to spread out more effectively during large storm events. In addition, the increased floodplain capacity significantly reduced flood velocities during major floods. The estimated maximum velocity during a 100-year flood event was reduced from approximately 23 feet per second to 15 feet per second, helping decrease erosion potential and improving long-term channel stability.