Country Creek Stabilization

Village of Bartlett

OBJECTIVE

The Village of Bartlett needed a comprehensive streambank assessment and final engineering design for West Branch DuPage River Tributary No. 2. The creek runs through an existing easement behind 36 residential properties, making resident communication a key component of the project’s success.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

HLR completed the following tasks for the Country Creek Stabilization Phase I project: a limited topographic survey, stream assessment, alternative concept designs, preliminary hydraulic design, funding opportunity review, utility coordination, and agency coordination. The stream assessment identified severe erosion throughout the majority of the stream corridor, with close proximity to adjacent houses, utilities, fences, and sheds. Three streambank stabilization alternatives were developed and presented to Village staff and community members. Feedback from the Village and community informed the Phase II design.

Phase II includes the survey, design, and permitting of the proposed streambank stabilization and culvert replacement work. The survey was completed in 2025, providing the basis for engineering design, as well as the plats and legal descriptions for easements required for the project. The ongoing streambank stabilization design has focused on balancing water quality improvements, protection of adjacent structures, drainage improvements, and enhanced ecological value, while minimizing impacts to residents and construction costs for the Village. The proposed streambank stabilization design includes various biotechnical methods such as gabions, floodplain benching, bank regrading, stone toe revetment, and cross vanes. These methods stabilize the streambanks while addressing the project’s challenging spatial constraints.

Three existing corrugated metal pipe (CMP) culverts within the project area will be replaced with concrete box culverts. The ongoing geometric and structural design of these culverts is supported by detailed hydraulic engineering. A HEC-RAS model is under development to simulate existing, natural, and proposed hydraulic conditions and support both the culvert and streambank stabilization design.

Several permits and agency reviews will be required to construct the project, including those from the Chicago District Army Corps of Engineers, IDNR Office of Water Resources, Kane-DuPage Soil and Water Conservation District, DuPage County Stormwater Management, IEPA, and IDOT. Additional environmental services required to support this permitting effort include a tree survey, wetland and WOUS delineation and report, IDNR Threatened and Endangered Species Coordination (EcoCAT), Clean Construction and Demolition Debris compliance documentation, and native planting design. HLR will support the Village’s coordination efforts with residents and utilities impacted by the project. HLR submitted an IEPA Section 319(h) grant for this project in 2025; award results are expected in 2026.