KE&G Construction completed the Cañada del Oro (CDO) Wash Levee Augmentation project for the Pima County Regional Flood Control District in Oro Valley—a critical infrastructure improvement designed to enhance flood protection, restore channel capacity, and support long-term community resilience following the Bighorn Fire.
This multi-phase project addressed seven critical areas along the CDO Wash, where post-fire hydrology increased flow rates and reduced channel capacity. KE&G’s scope included installation of approximately 3,000 linear feet of concrete flood walls, 2,580 linear feet of lime-treated aggregate base berms, and resurfacing over 7,600 linear feet of The Loop multi-use path. Additional improvements included trench drain installation, access road construction, and handrail modifications to meet current safety standards
SOLVING COMPLEXT SITE & COMMUNITY CHALLENGES
A key challenge during pre-construction was the originally planned access route, which would have impacted a nearby golf course, surrounding vegetation, and residential viewsheds. KE&G identified this risk early and proposed an alternative access plan through the wash corridor, eliminating disruption to the community while maintaining project efficiency. This required constructing and maintaining approximately 7,500 linear feet of temporary access path and modifying entry points to support construction traffic .
To accelerate delivery and minimize public disruption, KE&G deployed multiple crews simultaneously across all seven sections—shifting from a sequential schedule to a parallel execution strategy. This approach significantly increased production and allowed for early reopening of The Loop, a critical recreational asset for the community.
INNOVATION & SELF-PERFORMANCE
KE&G self-performed approximately 77% of the work, allowing for greater control over quality, schedule, and cost. The team implemented several innovative construction methods, including:
Modifying a curb machine to construct flood walls more efficiently, reducing labor and schedule impact
Transitioning from excavated piers to drilled shafts after field testing proved faster and less disruptive
Performing rebar installation in-house to improve quality control and reduce subcontractor reliance
Adjusting construction sequencing to maximize productivity across multiple work zones
These decisions demonstrate KE&G’s ability to adapt in real time, evaluate field conditions, and implement solutions that improve outcomes.
MANAGING CONSTRAINTS & DELIVERING RESULTS
The project faced evolving scope conditions, subcontractor coordination challenges, and late-stage design adjustments, including the addition of trench drains to address unexpected water ponding. KE&G worked directly with inspectors and stakeholders to implement solutions without impacting overall delivery.
Despite these challenges, KE&G delivered the project more than two months ahead of schedule and over $350,000 under budget (approximately 9% savings)—a direct result of proactive planning, value engineering, and self-performance strategies.
COMMUNITY & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Beyond flood protection, the project improved safety and usability for residents and businesses while preserving the natural character of the wash corridor. Environmental considerations included minimizing vegetation removal, reusing materials, and reducing the overall construction footprint. The result is infrastructure that not only protects the community but enhances quality of life through improved recreational access and long-term resilience.
RECOGNITION
This project has received multiple industry awards recognizing excellence in public infrastructure and construction innovation, including:
APWA Public Works Project of the Year – Disaster/Emergency Construction (Under $5M)
MPA Common Ground Awards – Top 10 Project of the Year
KE&G is a respected 100% employee-owned company that is committed to delivering safe, high-quality projects that exceed the expectations of our clients