Mission Hills Stormwater Infrastructure Upgraded as City of San Diego Completes Major Project
A critical storm drain repair project has just been completed in Mission Hills, significantly improving the neighborhood’s flood resilience. This infrastructure project addressed a severely deteriorated drainage system at the intersection of Fort Stockton Drive and Allen Road.
The work was done by the Stormwater Department’s pipe repair team, with funding from a low-interest federal WIFIA loan (Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act).
Construction work at Fort Stockton Drive began in November 2024 and was completed in late April 2025. During construction, City crews experienced several unexpected challenges, including the discovery of old train tracks buried beneath the work zone. Additionally, work crews faced a dense network of underground utilities, and the presence of large rocks in the trench areas.
“Despite some unexpected obstacles along the way, our teams worked very hard to complete these drainage improvements and reopen the road for residents as soon as possible,” said Stormwater Director Todd Snyder. “These upgrades will enhance flood resilience for the community over the long term.”
The stormwater pipe replacement project included the following work:
Installation of 335 feet of new Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP).
Installation of 15 new storm drains.
Removal of 195 feet of deteriorated Corrugated Metal Pipe (CMP).
Removal of three aging storm drain structures.
Replacement of two ADA ramps.
These key improvements are designed to enhance the reliability of the City's drainage system and improve the quality of life. Neighbors will notice new storm drains and ramps, but many of the improvements exist underground. San Diego’s vast network of stormwater infrastructure is largely hidden from public view but is critical to the City’s health and safety.
This high-priority work was performed entirely by City staff, including design by Stormwater Department engineers and construction by in-house crews, showcasing the skill and efficiency of City teams.
The City’s Stormwater Department has made significant progress in recent years to position stormwater projects for funding. In 2022, the City competed for and won a federal WIFIA loan for $733 million to fund a large number of stormwater system upgrades, including the storm drain improvements in Mission Hills. Nevertheless, funding continues to be the most significant impediment to modernizing the stormwater system for future generations.
The completion of this infrastructure project underscores the City’s commitment to reducing flood risk and improving water quality. Learn more about San Diego’s stormwater infrastructure at thinkblue.org.