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Creek Road - Slope and Stream Restoration
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August 2009 rain events exacerbated the erosion of the south bank of Cattaraugus Creek along Creek Road. The creek generally flows east to west in this region, but a long (approximately 2500 feet) reach of the creek flows from the northeast to the southwest towards the bank along Creek Road, where it changes course towards the west. Cattaraugus Creek approaches the banks at a high angle at this location and is within 20 to 30 feet of the road.
A steel sheetpile wall was built along the south bank of Cattaraugus Creek in this area several decades ago. The wall begins near the location where the creek changes direction. In the worst area, the soil in front of the upstream end of the sheetpile wall has eroded and the wall has collapsed.
McMahon & Mann designed re-directive measures in Cattaraugus Creek to help control the flow around the bend and limit erosive forces on the slope beneath the roadway. This included a series of rock vanes to guide the flow around the bend and bendway weirs to maintain the higher flows away from the bank.
The portion of the slope above the vanes and weirs was covered with stone fill and the upper portion of the slope was covered with vegetation, including red osier dogwood and streamco willow plantings.