The Hennepin Canal West End Levee Project evaluated the condition of the historic Hennepin Canal between Lock 26 and Lock 28, determined the causes of embankment overtopping, and proposed solutions to prevent overtopping events from damaging IDNR facilities or rendering the Hennepin Canal Trail inoperable following major storm flood events. As a result, this recreational corridor required repair and maintenance on the west end near the Rock River.
Engineering for Resilience
DB Sterlin collected and reviewed available canal data to evaluate existing conditions, completed geotechnical assessments, and conducted a complex 2D hydraulic analysis using SRH-2D. Our team prepared a comprehensive Hydraulic Report, evaluated improvement alternatives, and developed repair plans, cost estimates, and a preliminary design report. The project required detailed SRH-2D modeling to evaluate impacts from the Green River and its floodplain, which extends more than a half-mile wide, as well as nearby farm levees and the Hennepin Canal embankments.
Complex Hydraulic Conditions
The project site was unique because the Hennepin Canal crosses the Green River at a location that historically contained an aqueduct, resulting in complex hydraulic interactions among the waterways.
Building for the Future
Through advanced hydraulic analysis and strategic design planning, the project improves flood resilience, strengthens levee integrity, and safeguards critical water infrastructure. The restoration ensures long-term protection for the canal corridor and surrounding floodplain while supporting continued public use.
Markets
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- Water Resources & Flood Management
- Historic Infrastructure Preservation
- Recreation & Trail Infrastructure
Services
- Hydraulic & Hydrologic Analysis
- 2D SRH-2D Modeling
- Geotechnical Assessments
- Alternative Evaluation & Repair Planning
- Preliminary Design & Cost Estimation
- Hydraulic Reporting & Documentation
- Flood Risk Mitigation & Levee Restoration