Wichita, Kan., advances $36 million Bleckley Drive drainage overhaul to curb chronic flooding

WICHITA, Kan. (UI) — The City of Wichita is moving forward with a multi-phase, $36 million drainage and utility reconstruction project along Bleckley Drive aimed at reducing persistent street flooding and improving public safety during major storms.

The Bleckley Drive project spans from Kellogg Avenue to Elm Street and includes rebuilding an open drainage channel, relocating underground water and sanitary sewer utilities, and installing a new underground storm sewer system beneath the roadway. City engineers say the work is designed to significantly reduce flood depths and flow velocities that have historically made the corridor hazardous during heavy rain.

Phase 1, now underway, focuses on reconstructing the existing drainage channel between Kellogg and Waterman Street. Future phases will relocate parallel water and sewer lines between Waterman and 2nd Street before rebuilding the roadway and installing storm sewer infrastructure north to Elm.

According to city modeling, post-construction conditions are expected to produce shallower, slower-moving stormwater at key intersections, particularly north of Waterman, where flooding has repeatedly threatened vehicles and nearby properties.

The project is fully funded through Wichita’s Stormwater Utility as part of the city’s capital improvement program, with no additional taxes or special assessments planned for property owners. Design and Phase 1 construction are estimated at $8.8 million, while total costs across all phases are projected at $36 million.

Construction will continue in stages through 2028, with temporary lane reductions and driveway impacts expected as underground utility and storm sewer work progresses. City officials say crews will coordinate closely with residents to maintain access where possible.

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