The Town of Ashland thanks the residents of College Park for their continuing patience and cooperation during the stormwater and drainage improvement project. Here is the current status of the project, and the work plan for the next few weeks.
1. The pervious pavers have been installed. These will allow stormwater water to permeate between the pavers blocks instead of running off causing flooding and standing water. The water will either infiltrate into the ground, or be transported through an underground stone reservoir to a bioretention area to be filtered before entering the regular storm sewer system, which drains to Mechumps Creek. We just need to add some final touches around the edges of the pavers where there are larger gaps. We will either fill those gaps with small pieces of crushed stone, or a sealer.
2. Randolph Circle has been paved from Caroline Street to the southern end of the pavers.
3. A storm sewer system from Randolph Circle (east of the pavers) to Route 1, south along Route 1 to Caroline Street has also been constructed.
4. The remaining curb/gutter and sidewalk is now being constructed.
5. When the concrete work is complete, the rest of the road will be re-graded and paved with asphalt.
6. The bio-retention area at the intersection of Randolph Circle and Macon Circle is currently under construction. The bio-retention facility in the triangle has been dug out. The bottom of the bio-retention facility has been fitted with “R-Tanks”, which are boxes that look like milk crates that are buried and allow for underground storage of stormwater. The R-Tanks will be buried under a “filter media”, which will remove contaminants from the stormwater runoff. Vegetation such as shrubs, flowers, decorative grasses, etc., will be planted in the media. The surface of the media will be covered with decorative stone, mulch or grass. A landscape plan for the bio-retention area has not yet been established.
7. The Town will develop a tree planting plan for the entire neighborhood in the next month or so. Trees will be planted in fall.
Completion of the project is still planned for mid to late July if we do not run into unexpected problems, and if the weather cooperates.
Feel free to contact Chris Holloway or Ingrid Stenbjorn if you have any questions or would like additional information at cholloway@town.ashland.va.us or istenbjorn@town.ashland.va.us.