As part of continued efforts to invest in and enhance the South Cityarea infrastructure, the City of Tallahassee is implementing the South City – Country Club Creek Drainage Improvements Project. The project includes areas within and adjacent to the Country Club Creek (CREEK) drainage system located in the “South City” area of Tallahassee. The Creek begins at Indian Head Creek, formerly and more commonly known as the “East Drainage Ditch” (EAST DITCH) and extends north to the Capital City Country Club golf course. As part of the drainage study conducted by the City of Tallahassee (CITY), the CREEK was divided into five (5) segments for planning, engineering analysis and design purposes. Beginning downstream at the EAST DITCH, Segment 1 is an earthen ditch that runs between the EAST DITCH and PutnamDrive. Segment 2 is a 72-inch diameter reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) under PutnamDrive. Segment 3 is another earthenditchthat runs between PutnamDrive andWallis Street. Segment 4 is a 72-inch RCP that runs under and through the Magnolia Terrace apartment complex followed by Segment 5, a sand cement bag lined ditch that runs between the apartment complex and Magnolia Drive. See sketch below.

The following phased retrofit improvements are proposed along the CREEK:

• Phase I - improvements will be a large box culvert that will enclose the earthen ditch and replace the existing 72-inch RCP under Putnam Drive. This phase will start just north of Putnam Drive and extend south to the end of Golf Terrace Drive and will improve the north half of Segment 1, and Segment 2 at Putnam Drive.
• Phase II - improvements will be an enlarged concrete lined (armored) ditch that will run starting at the north end of Phase I extending north along Segment 3 ending at the 72-inch RCP that runs under and through the Magnolia Terrace apartment complex.
• Phase III - improvements will be the continuation of the large box culvert, or a gabion lined ditch, starting at the south end of Phase I ending at the EAST DITCH.
• Improvements to Segment 4 and Segment 5, the 72-inch RCP under and through the Magnolia Terrace apartment complex and the sand cement baglined ditch to the north ending at Magnolia Drive were not warranted in the planning, engineering analysis and design process.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will construction start and how long will it last?

Construction of Phase I is being combined with the Putnam Drive Sidewalk project and will start in June 2019 and last approximately 6 to 8 months. Construction plans are available here. Construction of Phase II will begin immediately following Phase I.

Will construction be disruptive to the neighborhood? 

While construction of this type may be disruptive at times, the City will do everything possible to minimize inconveniences to residents in the area. Roadway detours, if needed, will be clearly marked so vehicular access to homes is maintained at all times. Construction hours will normally begin after sunrise and end prior to sunset, with no construction allowed on Sundays.

Who will be in charge of construction?

The project will be constructed by a private contractor; however, the City will be in charge of all construction activities and will have a full-time project inspector available to address any issues that arise during construction.

Will this project prevent future flooding in the neighborhood?

The CREEK and adjacent areas are partially or entirely located within the FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). The objectives of this project are to decrease the frequency and severity of flooding, lower flood stages in and around the CREEK, and reduce erosion and sediment transport downstream.

Who can I talk with if I have questions or concerns?

Please contact Thomas L Napier, P.E., City of Tallahassee Water Resources Engineering Division, at 850-891-6131, tom.napier@talgov.com.