Arcadis and Virginia Beach Unveil New Pump Station to Combat Flooding

Virginia Beach, Virginia, has taken a significant step toward enhancing its flood resilience with the groundbreaking of the Windsor Woods Pump Station. This event, which occurred on September 30, 2026, was a collaborative effort between Arcadis, a leading global design and consultancy firm, and local stakeholders as part of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate flooding in the area.

The new pump station will play a crucial role in the city’s ongoing Drainage Improvements Program, which specifically targets the Windsor Woods, Princess Anne Plaza, and The Lakes regions. Given the impacts of heavy rainfall, high tides, and storm surge, this facility is expected to protect residents and businesses from future flood risks. This initiative is funded through the city’s voter-supported Ripple Effect Flood Protection Program, emphasizing the importance of sustainable infrastructure in managing natural hazards.

Arcadis is leading the design and implementation of this ambitious project along with Flatiron-Dragados, a progressive design-build team. They aim to integrate various flood protection measures across the watershed, building on previous work that included the installation of tide gates in the locality. These advancements are intended to create a well-coordinated flood management system throughout Virginia Beach.

The new pump station will not only enhance flood risk management but will also incorporate advanced technology to support real-time decision-making. Equipped with water level sensors, rain gauges, and supervisory control systems, the facility will allow operators to monitor conditions actively and respond efficiently to flooding threats. This is part of a larger initiative to develop a Stormwater Operations Control Center, unifying forecasts, sensor data, hydraulic models, and operational strategies in a cohesive flood management framework.

LJ Hansen, Director of Public Works for Virginia Beach, expressed enthusiasm regarding the project’s collaborative nature. He highlighted the city’s proactive approach to climate challenges and the importance of building strategic infrastructure that protects the community for future generations. Hansen emphasized that the partnership with Arcadis is fostering innovative policies and infrastructure that can serve other communities facing similar challenges.

Travis Davis, the Resilience Water Market Leader at Arcadis, explained that enhancing flood resilience requires more than just a singular project; it necessitates a connected approach to the entire water management system. He described the pump station as a critical milestone that, in tandem with other improvements like tide gates, will equip Virginia Beach to manage both tidal and rainfall flooding more effectively, safeguarding homes, businesses, and community access points.

About Arcadis

Arcadis stands as the world’s premier company delivering data-driven sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy services for natural and built assets. The enterprise, with around 34,000 dedicated professionals, focuses on improving quality of life through sustainable project choices across various sectors, including energy, water, infrastructure, and building design. In 2025, Arcadis reported gross revenues totaling €4.9 billion and operates in over 30 countries worldwide.

For more insights on their projects and innovations, visit www.arcadis.com.