City engineers propose partial fix for Mainline Drive flooding

Date: 3/22/2011

March 23, 2011

By Debbie Gardner

Assistant Editor

WESTFIELD — The Flood Commission approved a project at its March 16 meeting that will alleviate some of the flooding issues on Mainline Drive.

According to Flood Commission Chairman Alvin See, the city's Engineering Department presented a plan to put a back check valve on the street's storm water culvert where it exits into the Westfield River.

"It turns out that the location on Mainline Drive is actually below the bank of the Westfield River and when the river is up, the waters flow back into the street," See said.

City Engineer Mark Cressotti said the engineering firm Tighe & Bond, which has offices in Westfield, developed the initial design for the valve project.

See said the next step in the project is to secure funding for the project, which is estimated to cost $40,000.

"Until we get the funding we won't be able to accomplish all the design work that needs to be done," See said. "It's not a whole lot of work — it was a well-prepared proposal — but it's not ready to go out to bid."

Cressotti said the city is seeking funding through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

See said a start date for the project depends on receipt of funding. He also said the new valve would only alleviate one of the flooding problems on that street.

"If there is a heavy rain event, water can still flood that area eve if it isn't coming from the river," he said.

Cressotti said there are no plans to address the level of the street at this time.