The Ripple Effect: Improvements at First Colonial Road and Oceana Boulevard Build Resilience for the Area

Rendering of First Colonial Road and Oceana Boulevard Drainage Improvements Project

Flooding can affect more than homes, businesses and roads in Virginia Beach — it can impact our region’s military readiness. A key Flood Protection Program (FPP) project near Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana is underway at First Colonial Road and Oceana Boulevard and will improve drainage along the heavily traveled corridor connecting neighborhoods, Interstate 264 and the military base.

What’s Being Done

The project’s key feature is a constructed wetland that, like natural wetlands, will:  

• Collect rainwater from surrounding neighborhoods 
• Store the water temporarily in the constructed wetland 
• Release it slowly back into the stormwater system  
• Help reduce flooding and remove pollutants 

Additional improvements include the installation of a manufactured treatment device (MTD) that is designed to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff and provide additional water quality benefits.

The project will connect to the Oceana Boulevard stormwater system, allowing more efficient drainage and reducing roadway flooding during both 10-year and 100-year storm events. This keeps a key access point to NAS Oceana open and mission-ready during severe weather.

Because of its proximity to NAS Oceana, the project also includes waterfowl mitigation measures, such as fencing and managed meadows, to discourage geese and ducks from gathering near the site.

Linkhorn Bay Drainage Basin Improvements

The First Colonial Road and Oceana Boulevard Drainage Improvements project is one of two projects within the Linkhorn Bay Drainage Basin Improvements. Construction is expected to be completed in March 2026 and will support the City’s commitment to protect neighborhoods, support the military community and ensure a more resilient Virginia Beach.

• First Colonial Road / Oceana Boulevard Project
• Ripple Effect

The Virginia Beach Flood Protection Program — The Ripple Effect — is a comprehensive 10-year plan to address recurrent flooding in Virginia Beach. In November 2021, Virginia Beach voters overwhelmingly supported a resiliency package for several key flood protection initiatives to include drainage improvements, tide gates, pump stations and flood barriers throughout the city. The projects are led by Public Works with support from a community oversight board for transparency and accountability. Learn more at VirginiaBeach.gov/RippleEffect.