Brush Creek Improvements Protect Prairie Village Homes

During heavy rain events, Brush Creek, which runs parallel to Mission Road in Prairie Village, would significantly overtop the roadway. Homes in the area were also impacted by the flooding. The City was looking for a solution that would protect residents without affecting a neighboring community downstream, the City of Mission Hills, Kansas.

Our team was selected for this complex project. Before beginning design, a hydraulic analysis was conducted in partnership with Hg Consult, Inc. Brush Creek was modeled with HEC-RAS. Then, PC-SWMM was used to analyze the storm sewer pipe system. The data collected informed our design plan.

To eliminate flooding, the design team created a comprehensive solution. Mission Road was shifted approximately 15-feet to the right and raised 5-feet. Multiple pipes were upsized, and new pipes and drainage inlets were added to the storm system, as well as flap gates to the creek. The banks of the channel were regraded to improve flow capacity, and a retaining wall, featuring a stamped brick concrete finish was built to protect the homes and landscape around Brush Creek. These changes helped lower the water surface elevation.

The project was partially funded by the Johnson County Stormwater Management Program (JOCO SMP). Consequently, the design had to meet all their requirements. Before the project began, Prairie Village conducted a study to determine if the issue met their standards. Then, throughout design, Affinis submitted plans and the H&H calculations to show the proposed solution would meet the necessary threshold. JOCO SMP wanted to be assured the design achieved what it set out to do – prevent homes and roads from flooding.

Johnson County Wastewater (JCW) sought to update their sewer system during this time as well. To keep disruptions to a minimum, they wanted to make the improvements while this project was under construction. They redid their mains and relocated facilities too. The Affinis team developed plans for the storm sewer improvements and coordinated between JCW and the city.

While the area is largely residential, it borders a busy shopping area, which is home to local businesses. Residents of all ages use this pathway daily, as it connects to elementary and middle schools, as well as a church. The City leveraged this opportunity to enhance this well-loved area with new amenities. They installed bike lanes, new sidewalks, and a stamped brick crosswalk.

This section of Mission Road is also home to Schliffke Park. Paved, it was largely functioning as a parking lot. While making these improvements, the City decided to turn this unused space into a destination for residents. They removed the pavement, planted grass, and installed new seating, making it usable for pedestrians.

Aesthetics are important to residents of Prairie Village and are one piece of why this neighborhood continues to be desirable for all ages. Any new retaining walls were closely matched to existing stone. The plans also persevered three islands, which border area side streets. This meant they could continue to incorporate landscaping here. Statues found on these islands were also relocated during construction and then reinstalled in their existing places.

Since the completion of this project, the City of Prairie Village has experienced significant storm events, but they have had no issues with flooding. These changes protect area homes, drivers, and businesses – our primary goal for this effort. However, they go a step beyond by adding value to the community and supporting the City’s high quality of life.