Storm Drains Near Galleria to Be Replaced

A five-year project to replace inadequate downtown storm drains to prevent flooding and allow for future development around the Glendale Galleria will begin this month.

The first phase of the $2.2-million project calls for building a large concrete storm drain in Colorado Street from Central Avenue to Brand Boulevard to replace a segment in Harvard Street, which will be removed. The new line will then be extended north on Brand from Colorado to Harvard and east on Harvard to Isabel Street, officials said.

The current line in Harvard west of Brand is in the way of potential development and expansion of the galleria, officials said. While the recession has stalled any development, officials for years have planned to move the pipeline, said Marty Martinez, city civil engineer.

Construction on the project, jointly funded by the city and county, will be halted from Thanksgiving to the end of the year to lessen the impact on traffic congestion around the galleria during the holiday shopping period, Martinez said.

Completion is expected in mid-March, said Gary Hartley, county assistant deputy director of construction.

The storm pipeline was designed in 1964 as the main drain system for 257 acres downtown. Although the drain system is separate from sewer lines, the amount of storm runoff is increased by new high-rise development, Martinez said. The drain is within two to three years of maximum capacity.

Drains were heavily taxed during record storms in February, causing flooding in streets and some businesses.

Later phases of the project will extend the pipeline along Louise Street from Harvard to Wilson Avenue, east to Isabel and north to Doran Street. The county, which is administering the project, will pay $877,000 of the cost. Glendale will pay the balance of almost $1.3 million.