In August 2024, severe flooding and the collapse of the Grist Mill Dam washed out a 160-foot section of Mill Creek Road in Head of the Harbor, Long Island. The damage cut off access to private residences and isolated a portion of the community, prompting an urgent response. VHB was engaged to develop a temporary roadway solution that supported long-term stability and future permanent repairs.
Working closely with the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, the entity that owns and maintains Mill Creek Road, VHB delivered a comprehensive design that reestablished safe passage for residents and first responders. At the same time, the project stabilized the stream corridor, regraded the creek channel to its natural alignment, and helped protect a tidal basin adjacent to a historic mill listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The fast-paced nature of the project required close coordination with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the New York State Department of State. This collaborative approach allowed for rapid permitting and mobilization while maintaining a strong focus on environmental protection and community resilience.
Now complete, the rebuilt roadway provides critical access, strengthens local infrastructure, and lays the groundwork for a more sustainable future in Head of the Harbor.
