Have you been up on North Cameron Street or North Kent Street lately? If so, you’ve probably noticed the ongoing North Cameron Drainage Project, an ambitious project set to transform the City. You might call it a “facelift” for the North End. But what’s it all about?
Over the next two years and $28 million (of which $10 million is being provided by the State Department of Transportation), the North Cameron Drainage Project will help prevent flooding while beautifying the North Cameron/North Kent area. The project will add four large stormwater ponds, replace water and sanitary sewer lines, and replace and install new sidewalks and pavement. The project will also include planting of over 300 trees!
The project (a.k.a. “facelift”) will have several key impacts on residents:
Detours
Phase one of the project is currently underway along North Cameron Street, from Clark Street up to Wyck Street. During this phase, traffic will be one-way northbound along this stretch. Along North Kent Street from Baker Street to Beau Street, the road is closed to non-local traffic. The detours are expected to be in place while work is occurring on Cameron and Kent Streets.
Phase two is projected to start in early 2025 and will involve the closure of Wyck Street from Fairmont Avenue down to North Cameron Street to through traffic.
Protecting Downtown from Flooding
If you have ever driven through a small lake that used to be North Cameron Street, then you know that downtown Winchester is susceptible to flooding! This project will help protect our City from that development.
Beautifying Our City
Here’s where the “facelift” comes in. Four new stormwater ponds will be installed as part of this project, and each will have scenic landscaping, fountains, and tasteful fences to keep people from taking a swim.
In addition to these four beautiful ponds, underground stormwater drainage pipes will be installed and updated along North Cameron Street, North Kent Street, Wyck Street, and Fairmont Avenue.
Updated Water & Sewer Infrastructure
Ready for a fun fact for trivia night? Winchester’s infrastructure was built before George Washington was President! In fact, it’s the third oldest water infrastructure system in our country.
Now, we should be proud of our water infrastructure – our pipes have lived long lives, keeping water running in and out of our homes and businesses for centuries. Like all of us, these pipes aren’t meant to last forever, though. Let’s send them off to retirement and install new pipes to handle the job.
Repaved Roads
Remember all that talk of revitalization earlier? At the end of the job, the roads in the project area will be repaved, and their sidewalks will be replaced—or installed if none existed before. Imagine taking an afternoon stroll with the family along the newly installed sidewalks, under the over 300 newly planted trees.
Thank you for your patience as our “facelift” moves along. Remember, if you have any questions, you can check out our North Cameron Drainage Project by clicking here and submit a question online if desired. But we think you’ll like the results of the project when it’s complete!