Strengthening Flood Protection Along the Cañada del Oro Wash
Rehabilitating five miles of flood control infrastructure while improving recreational access along one of Pima County's most heavily used shared-use paths.
KE&G rehabilitated approximately five miles of the Cañada del Oro (CDO) Wash for the Pima County Regional Flood Control District. The project included construction of new aggregate base berms, approximately 3,000 feet of flood walls, and improvements to the regional bike path while minimizing impacts to surrounding neighborhoods and recreational users.
Project Overview
The Cañada del Oro Wash is an important component of Pima County's flood control system and a popular recreational corridor. To improve long-term flood protection and maintain public access, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District initiated a project to rehabilitate approximately five miles of the wash, construct new flood protection features, and enhance the adjacent shared-use path.
KE&G completed the project with approximately 77% self-performed work, allowing the team to maintain close control over production, quality, and scheduling. The work included new aggregate base berms, approximately 3,000 feet of flood walls, and bike path improvements across multiple work areas.
Because the corridor passes through established neighborhoods and recreational areas, construction planning focused on maintaining public safety while reducing impacts to residents, trail users, and surrounding amenities.
Scope of Work
- Rehabilitated approximately five miles of the Cañada del Oro Wash.
- Constructed new aggregate base berms.
- Installed approximately 3,000 LF of new flood walls.
- Improved the regional shared-use bike path.
- Constructed temporary construction access routes.
- Removed and reinstalled handrails and access ramps were required.
- Installed trench drains to address drainage identified during the final inspection.
- Completed landscape restoration following construction.
Our Approach
During preconstruction, KE&G identified an opportunity to reduce impacts to the surrounding community by proposing an alternative construction access route. Rather than using the planned access through a nearby golf course, the team recommended routing construction traffic through the wash corridor. The revised approach avoided unnecessary disturbance to the golf course, preserved existing vegetation and scenic views, and reduced potential impacts to nearby residents. The owner approved the revised access plan before construction began.
Once construction was underway, KE&G adjusted the sequencing plan by deploying multiple crews across several work areas simultaneously instead of completing the project in sequence. This approach expanded the available work area, increased production, and shortened the duration of impacts to users of the popular bike path.
The team also evaluated construction methods throughout the project to improve efficiency. Rather than forming the flood walls by hand, KE&G modified one of its curb machines to construct the walls in accordance with the project specifications, increasing production while maintaining quality. For drilled foundations, the team determined that drilling shafts was more efficient than excavation and self-performed the reinforcing steel installation to improve coordination and reduce subcontracted work. Near project completion, KE&G responded quickly to an owner-requested drainage improvement by installing trench drains while maintaining the overall project schedule.
Built on Ownership
As a 100% employee-owned company, every project we deliver reflects the commitment of the people who own the outcome. Our employee owners take pride in building lasting infrastructure, solving challenges collaboratively, and delivering work that strengthens the communities we serve. That ownership mindset drives accountability, quality, and long-term relationships on every project.
