After years of discussion, the old clogged Potterton Causeway has disappeared and, in its place, Virginia Department of Transportation has constructed a modern concrete bridge over 100 feet long. WID and VDOT are jointly building a debris deflector upstream on WID property. The bid for bridge and deflector totaled approximately $1,400,000. VDOT is building the debris deflector and WID is paying for much of its construction. Friendly and harmonious cooperation is facilitating the process between WID, VDOT and VDOT's contractor... Moore Brothers Company, Inc.

While the debris deflector is a smaller project than the bridge, it is more challenging because it is unique. Apparently, no one has ever built one before. Unlike the old floating debris boom, this is a fixed structure. Diagonally across Tripps Run, a series of 10 inch steel I-beams will contain a network of oak timbers which will permit water to flow between them or, in the case of huge storms, overtop them. These I-beams will be driven into rock about ten feet below the surface.

The concept is that floating debris will be shunted to the side of the stream where it can be picked up and removed after major storms. Fairfax County's Department of Public Works and Environmental Services has agreed to remove the debris, just as it has in the past from the old floating boom system. It is anticipated that a greater percentage of the debris will be trapped and the removal process will be quicker and more cost-effective.

The initial bid for the debris deflector was $345,918. Thanks to the cooperation of VDOT and Moore Brothers, WID's bill will be a fraction of that. Everyone understands that this novel design by WID's engineering consultant GKY &Associates is innovative and therefore its effectiveness is yet to be determined. If successful, this venture will be a significant contribution to stormwater management BMP technology. Already, a comparable project has been designed and is in the approval process in Prince William County.