California Construction News staff writer
A critical storm drain repair project has been completed in the Mission Hills neighborhood, significantly improving the area’s resilience to flooding and underscoring the city’s ongoing investment in stormwater infrastructure.
The work, which began in November 2024 at the intersection of Fort Stockton Drive and Allen Road, was carried out by the San Diego Stormwater Department’s in-house pipe repair team and funded through a low-interest federal WIFIA loan.
The $733 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan, awarded in 2022, is supporting a wide range of stormwater system upgrades across San Diego, including the Mission Hills repair.
“Despite some unexpected obstacles along the way, our teams worked very hard to complete these drainage improvements and reopen the road for residents as soon as possible,” said Stormwater Department Director Todd Snyder. “These upgrades will enhance flood resilience for the community over the long term.”
During construction, crews encountered several challenges, including the discovery of buried railroad tracks, a dense network of underground utilities, and large rocks that slowed trenching operations.
The city completed the following improvements:
- Installation of 335 feet of new reinforced concrete pipe (RCP)
- Installation of 15 new storm drains
- Removal of 195 feet of deteriorated corrugated metal pipe (CMP)
- Demolition of three aging storm drain structures
- Replacement of two Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant ramps
While some improvements, such as new curb ramps and storm drain inlets, are visible to residents, most of the work is underground. City officials said the upgrades will help reduce flood risk and improve water quality for years to come.
The design and construction were completed entirely by city staff, highlighting the capabilities of in-house engineering and field crews.
San Diego’s Stormwater Department has prioritized modernizing its aging drainage system but continues to face funding challenges. Although the WIFIA loan has supported major projects, city officials say additional investment is needed to keep up with infrastructure demands and climate change impacts.
