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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- The Sand Creek Project is expected to be completed slightly ahead of schedule, thanks to the dry winter.

The $2 million project is in its final stages. The restoration along the creek will protect the vital utilities structure from storm damage. A 16-inch water main, a natural gas pipe and 2,800 feet of 30-foot diameter wastewater main running parallel to the east bank of Sand Creek. 　

Nearly four feet of sediment was washed away due to storm events.

"There was a lot of erosion around the side banks here," Steve Rodriguez, Project Manager Colorado Springs Utilities said. "It came pretty close to exposing a 30-inch wastewater main which was running parallel to the creek."

The infrastructure was designed with 100-year flood levels in mind. Six ground boulder drop structures were constructed to control flow during flood events to reduce damage. These still basin are spaced 500 feet for a half a mile down the creek bed.

"We maintain the banks so that the local community doesnt lose their  property," Rodriguez said.

The excavation project started last October and is on schedule to finish before the end of January. This project received financial contributions from the City of Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation and Cultural Services Department for $122,000 toward a new trail and $300,000 toward restoration for the bridge running from Airport to Sand Creek, from the Pikes Peak Regional Transpiration Utilities.

"We are secure that the grade is going to stay here for a while." Rodriguez said.

Sand Creek is one of nine creek restoration projects planned by Springs Utilities this year.