Innovative Stormwater Solutions for Linear Projects

Summary

Managing stormwater is a critical part of any transportation infrastructure project, both during construction and long term. Meeting water quality requirements with long linear projects is challenging given limited right of way and resources; this is especially true in tight urban areas. This project identifies the options for addressing stormwater on linear projects, with consideration of regional approaches that provide credits for runoff volume and water quality, the activities during construction to address stormwater concerns, and different approaches that are applicable in urban, suburban, and rural areas. The overall goal is to enhance linear projects to mitigate the harmful impacts of pollution in stormwater runoff. Some questions that this research intends to answer include: 1. What are options for addressing stormwater on linear projects? 2. Are there regional approaches that provide credits for runoff volume and water quality? 3. What are different approaches that are applicable in (sub)urban vs. rural areas? 4. What should be done during construction to address stormwater concerns? 5. How can these projects be implemented to mitigate pollution from stormwater runoff? The deliverables will serve as a handy reference tool for practitioners to make the most optimum decisions and increase the cost-effectiveness of stormwater management throughout Minnesota.