Desert View Drive Storm Drain Replacement

The Desert View Drive is the only access street to this local community in La Jolla. The closure of the street will result in a hardship foe the residents along both sides of the street. The Desert View Drive Storm Drain Project was after observed movement on the geologically active Rose Canyon Fault in a geologically and ecologically sensitive area of La Jolla below Desert View Drive. Initial investigations resulted in a declaration of emergency because of the land slide potential in the unstable Mount Soledad development above the project. The storm drain outlet and the extensive erosion were observed below the area of damage. The eroded vertical walls in the slot canyon were over 50’ high in places. An emergency was determined necessary and warranted to mobilize forces rapidly enough to address the potential hazard and the safety of the residents, particularly in light of the area history and predicted El Nino weather event. The slope repair was designed to restore the eroded slot canyon to better than the original condition, as well as stabilize the land slide potential in the area as much as possible within the defined scope of slope restoration. The geotechnical study included multiple borings to determine the stability and geologically map the area. Inclinometers were established in the area to detect land movement. The storm drain was realigned and extended downhill to a safe point of discharge. The slope repair was complicated by limited access, coordination with multiple stake holders, elevated safety concerns, access from I-5 Freeway, construction extending into the rainy season, and permitting through multiple agencies. The street was functional and operational throughout the construction activities.