The Ripple Effect: Five Flood Protection Projects that Strengthened the Community in 2025

Flood protection isn’t built overnight — but in 2025, several major Flood Protection Program (FPP) projects reached milestones improving resiliency across the community. From new storm drainage to tide gates successfully operated during storms, the past year marked meaningful progress.   

Flood Protection Projects

Old Forge Road and Red Lion Road Drainage Improvements  
Part of the Windsor Woods, Princess Anne Plaza & The Lakes Master Project, construction on these improvements began in August 2023 and was completed in December 2024. Accomplishments include:  

• Installation of a larger storm drain along Red Lion Road and Old Forge Court and parallel storm drainage to reduce flooding impacts. 
• Gravity sanitary sewer replacements. 
• Water line improvements and new service lines and laterals. 

South Plaza Trail and Presidential Boulevard Drainage Improvements 
After more than two years of construction, the South Plaza Trail and Presidential Boulevard project reached substantial completion in December 2025 — a major milestone for a high-priority route in the heart of Virginia Beach. In 2025, crews completed: 

• A new, larger parallel storm drain connecting Rosemont Road, South Plaza Trail and Presidential Boulevard to the Windsor Woods Canal. 
• Sewer force main improvements between Rosemont Road and Presidential Boulevard. 
• Water and sanitary sewer upgrades at intersections. 
• Replacement of water service lines and sanitary sewer laterals throughout the corridor. 

Together, these upgrades significantly reduce flooding impacts on Rosemont Road, South Plaza Trail and Presidential Boulevard, improving safety and reliability for residents, commuters and first responders. 

The Windsor Woods Tide Gate 
This is the first of the three tide gates that will work to reduce tidal impacts and provide critical stormwater storage needed to mitigate flooding in the Windsor Woods, Princess Anne Plaza, and The Lakes neighborhoods. Construction was completed in fall 2025. During coastal storms late in the year, the gates were: 

• Closed several times to reduce flooding and increase stormwater storage in Lake Windsor.  
• Successfully operated both remotely and on site by Public Works staff. 

The tide gate is a key component of the Windsor Woods, Princess Anne Plaza & The Lakes Master Project, with additional progress on the horizon. Construction is planned to begin in mid-2026 along South Boulevard at Lake Windsor, when the Windsor Woods Pump Station breaks ground. 

Seatack Neighborhood Drainage Improvements  
In 2025, major stormwater resilience construction was completed in the historic Seatack neighborhood — an effort funded through both the Flood Protection Program and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Community Flood Preparedness Fund (CFPF). The project created:  

• Stormwater upgrades that improve flood protection for the Seatack community.  
• Utility improvements that enhance system reliability.
• Infrastructure designed to help keep Birdneck Road passable during heavy storms. 

While some incidental work may continue, 2025 marked a turning point as the community began experiencing the long-term benefits of this investment.  

Bow Creek Stormwater Park 
The Bow Creek Stormwater Park continued to take shape in 2025 as both a flood mitigation project and a future community destination. Highlights include:  

• Large-scale excavation to create stormwater storage areas. 
• Construction of a standalone public restroom. 
• Installation of pedestrian bridges. 
• Site preparation for future walking and biking trails. 

Wetland restoration as well as tree and shrub plantings will continue into the spring, ensuring the project delivers both flood protection and environmental benefits for years to come.  

Building Resilience 

The progress made in 2025 reflects the long-standing commitment behind the Flood Protection Program. Each project — whether newly completed, tested by storms or still under construction — plays a role in building a safer, more resilient community. As we move forward, these accomplishments serve as both a reminder of how far we’ve come and a foundation for the work still ahead.  

• Ripple Effect

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.