FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – City Utilities says that work has begun on a project in the Bullerman Drain area designed to protect more than 100 homes from flooding.
Workers will reconstruct the ditch between Maplecrest Road and Maple Terrace Drive. Officials said several homeowners have complained about flooding in their streets, yards, and homes.
“For years, residents in this area have experienced flooded yards, standing water in streets, and slow drainage after heavy rain,” said City Utilities Stormwater Engineer Kristen Buell. “These improvements will increase capacity and move water more efficiently through the system.”
City Utilities released the following:
Fort Wayne, Indiana – With support from a $750,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, City Utilities is advancing flood reduction improvements along Bullerman Drain between Maplecrest Road and Maple Terrace Drive. Residents from the Maplewood Terrace and Downs neighborhoods joined City Utilities earlier today to mark the ceremonial groundbreaking.
The improvements are designed to address yard and street flooding that has troubled residents for years. The project will reconstruct more than 1,000 feet of ditch, convert the northwest section into an inline system, and expand the basin east of Maplecrest to significantly increase stormwater capacity. In total, the project will provide nearly 7 million gallons to storage in a retention pond to help prevent downstream flooding.
Portions of the stream were previously routed underground through pipe, restricting flow during heavy rain. When a stream is buried, water moves quickly and cannot interact with the natural environment, increasing downstream flooding and erosion. By bringing sections back to the surface and restoring a natural channel, water can slow down, spread out, and soak into the ground. That reduces flood risk for families and businesses, improves water quality, and stabilizes stream banks.
The project will also restore 7.5 acres of native wetland habitat, reducing sediment runoff while supporting pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. A walking trail will wind through the wetland area, creating a space where residents can safely enjoy and experience the natural improvements firsthand.
The improvements are focused squarely on long-standing flooding concerns in Maplewood Terrace and The Downs.
“For years, residents in this area have experienced flooded yards, standing water in streets, and slow drainage after heavy rain,” said Kristen Buell, P.E., stormwater engineer, City Utilities. “These improvements will increase capacity and move water more efficiently through the system. Coupled with an additional phase that is still to come, this work will not only help this neighborhood but also improve conditions for downstream communities.”
City Utilities’ partnership with neighborhood residents provided real insight into crafting a plan to mitigate these stubborn stormwater issues. The contributions of those most affected aided the design recommendations significantly.
“Our team spent considerable time studying how this neighborhood responds to different rain events before designing the project,” said Anne Marie Smrchek, P.E., City Utilities stormwater manager. “Different storm events affect this area in different ways, and drainage patterns vary across the neighborhood. We reviewed rainfall data alongside reports and photos that residents shared after storms. That real-time information contributed to the design of a solution aimed at addressing the standing water concerns in this area.”
This phase of the Bullerman improvements represents a $2 million investment, with nearly $1.4 million supported through City Utilities’ stormwater budget in addition to grant funding. The work, to be performed by local contractor Crosby Excavating, is expected to take about one year to complete.
The Bullerman project is one of more than 50 neighborhood stormwater improvements planned through 2031 as part of City Utilities’ long-term work to strengthen drainage infrastructure and reduce flooding risks across the community.
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