COMPLETED 2023

Phase WC-1: Tierrecita Vallejo

Construction of the two phases of the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project in the Tierrecita Vallejo neighborhood were substantially completed in fall of 2022 and final work items were wrapped spring of 2023 with the completion of punch list items.

This section of the flood control project stretches from the US Hwy 83 bypass around the Tierrecita Vallejo neighborhood and north to Ward County Road 15. Phase WC-1A began in August of 2021, and Phase WC-1B began in the spring of 2022. Wagner Construction, Inc. secured the construction contracts for both phases.

The WC-1A phase included levee fill, seepage collection piping, storm sewer, gatewell, rip rap, and roadway restoration. The WC-1A also included the relocation of a single-family home within the Tierrecita Vallejo neighborhood. Phase WC-1B featured a seepage cutoff wall beneath the centerline of the earthen levee. The seepage cutoff wall was installed using the one pass trenching method that extended to a depth of 35’. The seepage cutoff wall was completed mid-summer 2022 and placement of levee fill was completed early in the fall of the same year. Levee fills up to 30’ were required for certain sections of levee that were located in a former borrow site utilized by the NDDOT.

One of the most visible aspects of the WC-1 project is the newly constructed rock riffle which replaced the former water control structure in the Mouse River. The rock riffle was constructed in 2022 and features a series of cascading steps created with boulders that provide grade control of the river in a more natural manner.

Phase WC-1 Tierrecita Vallejo

urban flood control

Tierrecita Vallejo is a rural residential subdivision located near the northwest corner of the US 83 bypass and Highway 2 intersection, directly west of Jack Hoeven Park. Shortly after the flood of 1907, the USACE constructed a flood control project for the subdivision consisting of a levee, gate wells, and a portable pump. Following the 2011 flood, the Tierrecita Vallejo neighborhood was included in the scope of the Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) with the recommendation for the reconstruction of the levees, a railroad crossing structure, and storm water lift station. Ultimately, the proposed levee system will serve as the west tieback for the MREFPP Phase MI-2 project and provide an increased level of protection for the City of Minot.

Since the PER was developed, other projects are either under construction or have been constructed that will allow for modifications to the proposed PER recommendations that will both save construction time and cost. The proposed levee will extend west from the new US 83 bridge and follow the north bank of the Mouse River, cross the Canadian Pacific Railroad and head north. The levee will feature a closure structure across the railroad allowing Canadian Pacific Railroad continued operation while still protecting the Tierrecita Vallejo residents. Work completed as a part of the Phase MI-2 project will allow the design team to modify the preliminary design by removing the ponding area, eliminating the proposed storm water lift station, and modifying the existing gate wells to maintain water