Frequently Asked Questions

The Willowbranch Canal Stabilization Project is a city initiative led by the City of Jacksonville (COJ) and managed by Halff Associates, Inc. It aims to stabilize and enhance the channel of Willow Branch Canal between Sydney Street and Riverside Avenue, addressing erosion issues and introducing more resilient design features

The project team includes Halff Associates, Inc. as the prime consultant, Meskel & Associates Engineering, PLLC providing geotechnical services, Smith Surveying Group handling land surveying and mapping, and Acuity Design Group managing community engagement.

Willowbranch Canal runs through the Jacksonville neighborhood of Riverside, starting near Riverside High School and emptying into the St. Johns River. The project area spans approximately 1,800 feet from Sydney Street to Riverside Avenue.

A community engagement plan has been developed to inform stakeholders and gather feedback throughout the design process. Public input is crucial to ensuring that project plans align with community needs and expectations

The goals include stabilizing creek embankments using natural and structural solutions, enhancing channel cross sections and alignments, and incorporating off-channel wetlands where feasible. The project aims to mitigate flood risks and improve the ecological health of the area.

Updates and announcements will be shared through the project website, public meetings, and community outreach efforts. Stakeholders can also sign up for email notifications to receive the latest information.

The project aims to minimize environmental impact by using natural solutions where possible and adhering to COJ environmental regulations. A landscaping plan will offset tree loss and enhance the ecological value of the area.Design considerations include avoiding any increase in flood hazards. The project team will carefully analyze hydraulic impacts and ensure that proposed solutions do not exacerbate existing flood risks.

The scope covers surveying, engineering, planning, and design activities necessary for finalizing the channel stabilization and enhancement plans. It also includes replacing three pedestrian bridges and preparing a landscaping plan to mitigate tree loss due to construction.