Muddy River flowing through constructed flood risk management channel in former Sears Parking Lot

CONCORD, Mass. – Construction activities are coming to a close on Phase 1 of the $30.9 million Muddy River Flood Risk Management and Environmental Restoration project in Boston, Massachusetts. On Monday, June 27th, the final temporary river diversion steel sheeting was removed from upstream of the new Riverway Culvert and the Muddy River was flowing freely and completely through the entire Phase 1 project, from the new Riverway Culvert at the upstream end, through the new Brookline Avenue Culvert and finally through the existing Avenue Louis Pasteur Culvert at the downstream end.

This marks a huge milestone for the project as the river has been running in twin 72” culverts since the 40’s between the former Riverway Intake Structure and at Brookline Avenue. Over the past several months, the contractor for the Muddy River Phase 1 construction project has been busily excavating sediment from the river bottom at upstream Riverway, demolishing the existing Riverway Intake Structure; excavating the former Sears Parking Lot to construct the new flood risk management channel; and removing the existing twin 72” culverts. These efforts have culminated in the river flowing once more in its natural riverine state as part of the Emerald Necklace, as well as providing a welcomed park environment in the city.

At the end of this Press Release are some photos documenting the progress of the construction that culminated in the river flowing freely.

For Muddy River project construction updates visit the website at:
http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/ProjectsTopics/MuddyRiver.aspx.

If you have questions contact Project Manager Jennifer Flanagan at MuddyRiver@usace.army.mil or call 978-318-8015.

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