Bioswale Project Brings Hope for Flood Relief to Bridgeton

Residents of Morris Avenue in Bridgeton, NJ, have faced persistent flooding issues during rainy days, with water pooling on the road and even seeping into basements. The water would often sit for up to four days, creating hazards and damaging homes. Seeing a chance to make a difference, the American Littoral Society stepped in with a solution: bioswales.

With funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the Littoral Society installed bioswales along Morris Avenue from October 15–23. Seven were constructed in front of various homes along the road. Project partners include: Gateway Community Action Partnership, Cumberland County's Road and Engineer divisions, and Rutgers University.

Similar to rain gardens, the bioswales were created by digging shallow trenches, adding sandy soil for effective drainage, and layering with mulch and native plants.

Chosen for their ability to thrive in wet conditions, plants like flowering dogwood, Pennsylvania sedge, and blue flag iris were included, enhancing both the function and aesthetic of the bioswales.

These bioswales aim to reduce road flooding by capturing rainwater and allowing it to gradually infiltrate the ground. The sandy soil enhances drainage, allowing water to clear out within two days after rainfall.

Not only are they designed to improve flood management, but they also bring natural beauty to the neighborhood. By spring, flowering dogwoods will bloom with pink and white blossoms, adding to the appeal of the street.

Recent rains, including one shower that dropped more than an inch in 2-3 hours, provided a good stress test for the bioswales. Aside from some slight erosion on the inflows, which will be fixed the week after Thanksgiving, the bioswales performed well. 

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