The East Branch of the North River passes through Jacksonville, Vermont, the central village in Whitingham. The village contains a mix of residences, businesses, and municipal buildings, including the town offices, library, and fire house. During major storm events, the river floods the village. The most serious flood in recent years occurred during Tropical Storm Irene, in 2011, when flood levels, as estimated through USGS StreamStats from nearby USGS stream gauges, reached the 200-year level. Less catastrophic but severe flooding remains an ongoing problem in this area, causing both inundation and erosion.

In partnership with Fitzgerald Environmental Associates, MSK conducted a scoping study to investigate ways to protect the village from severe flooding through improvements to the river channel, floodplain, and surrounding infrastructure. This work required road realignment, in compliance with VTrans Municipal  Assistance Bureau requirements, in order to accommodate the removal of a bridge, widen and stabilize the channel, and expand the floodplain.

At a Glance

• Client: Town of Whitingham
• Project Dates: 2020–2021

Services

• Feasibility Assessment