Wisteria/Clearbrook Drainage Improvements Stage II
- Project typeStormwater Improvements
- Project value$3.99 million
- Project scheduleSummer 2026
- Contractor nameWells Brothers Construction
Overview
The City of Wilmington is preparing to launch Stage II of the Wisteria/Clearbrook Drainage Improvements, a critical infrastructure initiative aimed at protecting private property and public streets from recurring flooding. Building on the success of Stage I, completed in 2016, this large-scale, linear corridor project will replace and upgrade aging drainage systems that are no longer operating at the required capacity.
The project spans several neighborhoods, generally beginning in the Camellia Heights residential area and concluding at Dogwood Lane, just south of Oleander Drive. It specifically targets the drainage areas encompassing 58th Street, Wisteria Lane, Ruxton Way, Weeping Willow Road, and Dogwood Lane, all of which channel runoff into a tributary of Hewletts Creek. Because the project follows a linear drainage way rather than being confined to a single parcel, it impacts multiple subdivisions, including Camellia Heights, Wisteria Place, Lands End, and Pond Crossing.
The $3.99M contract has been awarded to Wells Brothers Construction. The City has been awarded a $1.35M grant from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund to support construction costs and will receive reimbursement from CFPUA in an amount not to exceed $118,700 for necessary utility line relocation.
The City acknowledges that a project of this scale comes with environmental impacts, specifically the removal of mature vegetation along the drainage corridor. To accommodate the new infrastructure, hundreds of native trees—primarily pine, oak, sweet gum, and poplar—will need to be cleared. We understand the community's general concerns regarding the loss of these mature trees. New plantings will be included in the right-of-way, as appropriate, as part of the final restoration of the site. The ultimate goal remains securing the neighborhood's resilience against flooding through modern, reliable infrastructure.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Project Manager Robbie Baker at 910.473.5129 or Project Manager Zach Roman at 910.341.0213.
Timeline
Stage II of the Wisteria/Clearbrook Drainage Improvements began in early August 2026 and is estimated to take one year to complete. Wells Brothers Construction, under contract with the City, will undertake this vital project to safeguard private properties and public streets from persistent flooding.
Progress
Trees and vegetation between Dogwood Lane and Ruxton Way are being removed to allow for waterline replacement and provide access to the current drainage channel. Fences and other personal property within the limits of construction are still being relocated to allow access within the drainage easement. Culvert replacement along Dogwood Lane, Plover Court, Weeping Willow Road, and Ruxton Way will begin soon. Please be aware of any road closures and detours within the project area.
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