Drainage Project Begins to Ease Flooding at Entrance to Fayetteville's Locks Creek Neighborhood

Construction has started in Fayetteville's Locks Creek neighborhood, a flood-prone community where residents have waited years for relief from stormwater problems and for better access during severe weather.

Orange tarps now mark the neighborhood's entrance as crews begin a major drainage project expected to last eight months. The work is funded in part by a $999,135 Disaster Mitigation Grant from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Its goals are to reduce flooding at the entrance, replace aging utilities and improve emergency access.

The scope includes swapping the existing drainage culvert for a stronger concrete structure and raising the road at the entrance. Crews will also lay about 70 feet of new water line and 105 feet of new sewer pipe, resurface Locks Creek Road and parts of Carriage Street, and repair pavement and concrete disturbed by the work.

City officials stressed the limits of the project. It is meant to improve access and cut down on flooding at the neighborhood's entrance, but it is not designed to eliminate flooding from Locks Creek itself or to take homes out of flood hazard areas.

Councilman Malik Davis, who represents District 2, said the project should benefit both residents and emergency crews. "It's going to help our neighbors, our residents, and help first responders to get in here quickly to rescue those that are in the back of the neighborhood," Davis said. Responding to concerns from people living deeper in the community, he said he has been working with city staff on securing money "to be able to help the whole area."

Some residents are skeptical. Morgan Pate, who has lived in Locks Creek for decades, recalls broken promises and wants lasting change. "They're just going to throw a little bit here, throw a little bit there to say that they are doing something. It's just a reaction force," Pate said. "I'm waiting on a storm hit now to see what the results are going to bring."

Valerie Simpson, who bought her first home in the neighborhood less than a year ago, said she was unprepared for how water affects the property. She described standing water pushing up her bricks and rocks when heavy rain falls, and said she expects to rely on her homeowner's insurance. "I'm a first time homebuyer, so this is a lot to take in," Simpson said.

While work is underway, portions of Locks Creek Road will be closed. Residents are advised to use Carriage Street to L.A. Dunham Road as their primary route. City officials say emergency access will be maintained and are asking drivers to allow extra travel time and use caution near the construction area.