Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents warn removing Buckeye curve could worsen flooding and safety; county to share engineering report
Summary
Residents near County Road 1450 urged Montgomery County commissioners not to remove a curve and levee on South Buckeye, saying recent culvert work has increased erosion and could redirect floodwaters to low points and utilities.
Residents from the Buckeye Road area told Montgomery County commissioners that removing or altering a curve and levee near County Road 1450 could redirect floodwaters, damage utilities and create a new public-safety hazard for drivers and school buses.
“If you take that curve out, every time it floods, it's gonna flood right there,” a resident said during public comment, describing past overtopping and erosion. Multiple residents said the site has acted as a levee and that recent replacement or extension of culverts appears to have increased local erosion.
Brandon Burschens, director of public works, told the commission the county relied on a recent safety engineering study funded through the Safe Streets for All program. “Part of their recommendation was that one of the top 10 issues they found within the county was that curve,” Burschens said. He said engineering staff are working through drainage and design questions and will provide the full study and associated data to residents on request.
Speakers pressed county staff about whether the county had examined original design documents and long-term hydrology for the levee and adjacent James Road, contending the current layout funnels water to the south and could increase scour at the bridge. Staff said they have not yet located original drawings but will review historical materials and the consultants’ data as part of the engineering process.
Commissioners did not make a final decision during the meeting. Burschens said no construction or permanent removal is planned at this stage and that the county will follow the engineering recommendations, which will include both safety and hydrological analysis.
Residents asked the county to consider shorter-term fixes — such as replacing culverts under James Road or temporary apron work at the stop — while engineers complete a full design. County staff said they will send the full report to residents who request it and will continue coordinating with local stakeholders.
