The Ripple Effect: Advancing Flood Protection Citywide

Virginia Beach continues to press forward with major flood protection investments shaping the City’s resiliency for decades. This year, several significant projects will break ground or reach critical milestones — each one designed to reduce flooding, protect neighborhoods and strengthen natural systems. Here’s a look at five key projects in the Flood Protection Program that are making waves in the year ahead.

Windsor Woods Pump Station 

A significant component of the Windsor Woods, Princess Anne Plaza, and The Lakes Mega Bundle is set to begin construction this summer, the Windsor Woods Pump Station. The Windsor Woods Pump Station is located near Thalia Creek and Lake Windsor at Mount Trashmore Park. 

Working hand-in-hand with the new Windsor Woods Tide Gate, the pump station will help lower water levels in Lake Windsor prior to extreme tidal events and large forecasted storm events — creating stormwater storage capacity in the lakes and creeks — and assist with moving stormwater during major rainfall events. This combination will significantly reduce flooding in one of the City’s most flood‑prone areas. 

By the Numbers 

• Total Project Cost: $127.6 million 
• Construction Start: July 2026 
• Construction End: December 2031

Poinciana Pump Station

More than 50 years after its original construction, the Poinciana Pump Station on Sandalwood Road will be replaced. Construction on the project is expected to begin in fall 2026 and will increase reliability, reduce flooding by enhancing capacity and support the broader Eastern Shore Drive Master Project.

By the Numbers

• Total Project Cost: $25.3 million 
• Construction Start: November 2026 
• Construction End: December 2028

Eastern Shore Drive Bundle 

Another major advancement in 2026 is the start of the Eastern Shore Drive Bundle — five coordinated projects designed to reduce flooding and improve stormwater management in the area including:  

• Elevate Lynnhaven Drive: Raising vulnerable road segments to reduce flooding. 
• Lynnhaven Colony Park Pump Station: Constructing a new pump station to reduce flooding risks with modernized, interconnected stormwater infrastructure. 
• Lynnhaven Drive Pump Station: Constructing a new pump station and automated tide gate near the intersection of Lynnhaven Drive and West Great Neck Road.  
• Cape Henry Canal Phase II – Widen and Deepen: Expanding the canal to improve water flow and reduce backup during major rain events. 
• Cape Henry Drive – Street Drainage Improvements: Upgrading drainage infrastructure to move stormwater more efficiently. 

Once completed, these improvements will support a safer, more resilient community along the Chesapeake Bay. 

By the Numbers

• Total Project Cost: $73.5 million 
• Construction Start: May 2026 
• Construction End: May 2029

Elizabeth River Wetland and Floodplain Restoration

As part of the City’s Stormwater Green Infrastructure Master Project, the Elizabeth River Wetland and Floodplain Restoration effort focuses on restoring natural shorelines at four locations: Arrowhead Elementary School, Carolanne Farms Park, Woods of Avalon Park, and Ferry Point Park. Restoring wetlands helps stabilize the embankments, improve water quality and create valuable habitat. 

By the Numbers 

• Total Project Cost: $10.1 million 
• Construction Start: February 2026 
• Construction End: November 2026

Bow Creek Stormwater Park – Phase II

Bow Creek Stormwater Park continues to grow into one of the region’s most innovative stormwater and recreation spaces. Through spring 2026, wetland restoration and plantings will continue, preparing the site for its larger second phase. Phase II is currently in design and expected to go out to bid in late 2026. Planned features include nearly half a million cubic yards of excavation, expanded stormwater storage and new park amenities and trails for walking and biking. 

By the Numbers 

• Total Project Cost: $64.5 million 
• Construction Start: March 2027 
• Construction End: May 2030

Looking Ahead

These five projects represent the City’s long-term commitment to flood protection and community resilience. From advanced pump stations to restored wetlands and an innovative stormwater park, 2026 will be a year of major progress — and a meaningful step toward safeguarding our neighborhoods for the future.

The Virginia Beach Flood Protection Program — The Ripple Effect — is a comprehensive 10-year plan to address recurrent flooding in Virginia Beach. In November 2021, Virginia Beach voters overwhelmingly supported a resiliency package for several key flood protection initiatives to include drainage improvements, tide gates, pump stations and flood barriers throughout the city. The projects are led by Public Works with support from a community oversight board for transparency and accountability. Learn more at VirginiaBeach.gov/RippleEffect.