The Ripple Effect: Groundbreaking Launches Major Flood Protection Project

Pictured: Representatives from Public Works, the Flood Prevention Bond Referendum Oversight Board, Arcadis and FlatironDragados

The City of Virginia Beach and the Department of Public Works celebrated an important milestone this week with the groundbreaking of the Windsor Woods, Princess Anne Plaza and The Lakes Mega Bundle, a group of flood protection projects designed to help neighborhoods that saw major flooding during Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Community members, City staff and project engineers gathered near the Windsor Woods Tide Gate to mark the start of construction.

The Mega Bundle includes seven Capital Improvement Programs (CIPs) totaling nine subprojects across three neighborhoods, including new tide gates, flood barriers, pump stations and channel improvements. Together, these upgrades are one of the City’s largest efforts to improve stormwater resilience and reduce flooding. The projects in the Mega Bundle are scheduled to be completed in summer 2031. 

Windsor Woods Pump Station

One key part of the Mega Bundle is the new Windsor Woods pump station, which will work with the existing tide gate on Thalia Creek to manage water more effectively before and during storms. By lowering water levels ahead of weather events and creating more room in nearby lakes and creeks, it will help protect homes and businesses from flooding.  
 
In the coming months, crews will begin early site work at the Windsor Woods pump station location, followed by the installation of sheet piling and backfilling. With the project now underway, the City is moving closer to delivering meaningful flood protection that will benefit residents for years to come.

To learn more about the Flood Protection Program, visit VirginiaBeach.gov/RippleEffect.  

• Mega Bundle
• 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.