Rains Test Completed Swarthmore Avenue Storm Drain

A completed storm drain project along a stretch of Swarthmore Avenue has resolved a decade-old flooding issue, according to City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl.

The drainage system, located south of Sunset Boulevard, received its first real test as a large storm rolled through the area late last week.

The issue started and became increasingly worse over the years, and in some cases the flooding affected the lower level or basements of several homes. Residents told Rosendahl that poor drainage prevents water from dispersing and instead creates large pools of standing water. The situation made driving conditions hazardous  – both for residents and those who attend one of  five schools located nearby.

"My staff did some research and discovered that the city could do the work at half the cost  – down to $350,000," Rosendahl said. "I worked with department managers and we all agreed this was a matter of public safety and we put this project on the fast track for completion."

The attached photos show the trench that crews used to install a drain.

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