Residents in the Lower Skyway area of Colorado Springs are expressing frustration over persistent flooding at the intersection of Arcturus Drive and Green Star Drive. The issue has been ongoing for at least a decade, with large pools of water forming after rainfall, posing a splash hazard in warm weather and an ice hazard in cold weather.
Cause of the Flooding
The flooding is attributed to two main factors: the lower elevation of Green Star Drive compared to Arcturus Drive, causing runoff to flow downhill, and the lack of a storm drain in the immediate vicinity. A drainage channel is located a block to the east, but a long-vacant lot with thick grasses and weeds can slow or block the drainage, exacerbating the problem.
Longtime neighbors have voiced their concerns to the city’s public works director, Richard Mulledy, who is aware of the issue. However, he is waiting to learn if there are future development plans for the area before committing to an infrastructure project. The recent arrival of a construction staging area on the west side of the intersection has added to the frustration, as it is believed to be contributing to the flooding.
The flooded intersection is not only a nuisance but also a safety concern, particularly for pedestrians and disabled individuals who reside in the nearby high-rise apartment buildings. Construction vehicles are also damaging the pavement on Green Star Drive, which was repaved just a few years ago.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
