FlatironDragados has officially entered the construction phase of a $518 million flood resiliency project in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The large-scale infrastructure initiative is designed to improve stormwater management and reduce flooding risks for thousands of residents in three flood-prone neighborhoods.
The project follows two years of preconstruction planning and collaboration between the contractor, the City of Virginia Beach, and engineering partner Arcadis.
Once completed, the new flood protection system is expected to improve the city’s ability to manage heavy rainfall, tidal flooding, and stormwater during severe weather events.
Project Will Protect Three Virginia Beach Neighborhoods
The Windsor Woods, Princess Anne Plaza, and The Lakes Stormwater Improvements Project is focused on reducing flooding in one of southeastern Virginia’s most vulnerable low-lying regions.
The project will provide modern flood mitigation infrastructure for the three neighborhoods by improving how stormwater is collected, stored, and discharged during storms.
Virginia Beach has experienced increasing flooding challenges over the years due to its coastal location and changing weather patterns, making resiliency investments a growing priority for local officials.
Major Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements Planned
The project includes several major infrastructure components designed to better manage water flow before, during, and after storm events.
Construction activities will include:
- Large stormwater pump stations.
- Tide gates designed to minimize tidal flooding impacts.
- Flood barriers for vulnerable areas.
- Upgrades to existing drainage channels.
- Additional stormwater storage capacity throughout the project area.
These improvements will work together to reduce the impact of both tidal flooding and heavy rainfall.
By controlling tidal influences before storms arrive and gradually releasing stored water after major weather events, the system is expected to significantly improve flood management across the affected communities.
Existing Golf Course to Become Stormwater Park
One of the project’s most notable features involves transforming an existing golf course into a neighborhood park that will also serve as a stormwater storage facility.
The dual-purpose design allows the city to create additional flood protection infrastructure while providing recreational and green space for residents.
This approach reflects a growing trend in resilient infrastructure projects that combine environmental benefits with community-focused design.
Two Years of Planning Led to Construction Phase
Construction is beginning after an extensive two-year preconstruction phase conducted under a progressive design-build contract.
During that period, project teams worked closely with city officials to finalize designs, evaluate flood mitigation strategies, and coordinate construction planning.
The collaborative process helped identify the most effective solutions for addressing Virginia Beach’s long-term stormwater management challenges while minimizing disruption to residents.
Growing Demand for Resiliency Infrastructure
The Virginia Beach project highlights the increasing demand for infrastructure designed to protect communities from flooding and extreme weather events.
Across the United States, cities are investing in resilient infrastructure projects that address climate-related risks and improve public safety.
FlatironDragados has developed a growing portfolio of flood protection and resiliency projects, including:
- The $1.7 billion Battery Park City Resiliency Project in New York City.
- The $251 million Hudson River Resiliency Project in New Jersey.
- The $102 million Storm Surge Upgrade Project in Port Arthur, Texas.
These projects are designed to strengthen critical infrastructure, protect essential facilities, and improve community resilience against future weather-related challenges.
Supporting Long-Term Flood Protection
The Virginia Beach flood mitigation project represents a significant investment in modern stormwater infrastructure and long-term community protection.
As coastal communities continue to face rising flood risks, projects like this are becoming increasingly important components of local infrastructure planning.
With construction now underway, the project is expected to deliver lasting benefits by improving flood protection, enhancing public spaces, and increasing the resilience of Virginia Beach’s infrastructure for decades to come.
Suggested Featured Image
The best images for this article are:
- An official rendering of the pump stations, tide gates, and flood barriers (best choice).
- Aerial views of Virginia Beach flood-prone areas.
- Stormwater infrastructure construction equipment on site.
- Flood mitigation systems such as pump stations or drainage channels.
- A rendering of the planned neighborhood park with integrated stormwater storage.
An official project rendering showing the flood protection infrastructure will provide the strongest visual connection to the article and perform well as a featured image on an infrastructure-focused news website.
