As North County continues to develop, so does the need for thoughtful, resilient infrastructure. It’s the foundation that supports everything from safe neighborhoods to thriving businesses. Without it, economic growth simply can’t take root. Tory R. Walker Engineering (TRWE) plays a vital role in this equation. With deep expertise in hydrology, hydraulics, and sustainable design, TRWE is helping shape the physical framework that allows communities to grow stronger, safer, and more connected.
From floodplain remapping and stormwater improvements to creek restoration and trail design, their work makes possible the redevelopment of historic corridors, protection of local businesses, and preservation of vital natural resources. TRWE’s contributions don’t just reduce risk—they unlock opportunity. Here’s a closer look at how their projects are transforming North County and the broader region, ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with our collective vision for a thriving future:
South Santa Fe/Paseo Santa Fe
TRWE studied the Buena Vista Creek watershed and then designed a vital drainage project along South Santa Fe Avenue for the City of Vista. By applying their expertise and innovative approach to engineering, they were able to remove the historic corridor from a FEMA flood zone, while saving the City $25M. Upon completion of the optimized drainage improvements, including a strategically located regional detention basin, the City was able to proceed with an important redevelopment of the historic area (now known as the Paseo Santa Fe corridor). TRWE received a proclamation from the City of Vista for saving the City $25M.
Later, TRWE also designed the drainage and stormwater quality features for this Paseo Santa Fe revitalization project, which included extensive streetscape upgrades like street furniture, trees and landscaping, traffic calming, and decorative pavers. Today, the Paseo
Santa Fe corridor functions as a pedestrian-friendly destination with retail shops, restaurants, breweries, housing, as well as a veteran’s memorial park. The enhancements will continue to drive other downtown uses and will benefit local businesses and the broader community.
Most recently, TRWE’s studies of Buena Vista Creek have completely removed the City’s historic downtown from the FEMA mapped floodplain. With TRWE’s more detailed analysis of the drainage channel south of East Broadway, this area, mapped in the floodplain for decades, is no longer in the floodplain. Once more, thanks to TRWE’s expertise and innovative approach to engineering, the city’s downtown businesses will no longer be compelled to purchase flood insurance.
For the past 25 years, TRWE has prepared numerous other floodplain studies in North San Diego County, which has reduced flood risk, allowed responsible development and vital infrastructure to proceed, and helped protect our businesses and residents from both danger and unnecessary costs.
Creek Restoration and Community Connections
For many years, TRWE has been passionately advocating for and working on the restoration and rehabilitation of our communities’ natural creeks. Projects in North San Diego County include portions of Buena Vista Creek, Loma Alta Creek, Buena Creek, Agua Hedionda Creek, Escondido Creek, Reidy Creek, San Marcos Creek, Moosa Creek, San Luis Rey River, and San Dieguito River. TRWE has also worked on creek restoration projects in Orange and Riverside Counties.
TRWE has studied and prepared plans for the restoration of several natural waterways in South San Diego County as well. These include natural canyons and creeks in the Penasquitos and Chollas Creek Watersheds. One such project replaced failing concrete structures with a natural rock creek reach that has added both functional and aesthetic value to the surrounding community for years. TRWE is currently designing three different restoration projects in the Chollas Creek Watershed, each with a trail component, designed to connect communities. These include the restoration of Manzanita Canyon and two segments of Chollas Creek in different communities. The Federal Boulevard project will replace a degraded concrete channel with a natural rock channel, and the Segment 5 project will restore the creek to a more natural state and improve water quality.
These projects, when completed, will contribute to a healthier ecosystem, supporting native vegetation and wildlife. The removal of invasive species and active planting of native riparian and upland vegetation will further strengthen local biodiversity and habitat restoration.
Additionally, increasing flood capacity and improving water infiltration will help mitigate flooding risks, creating a safer and more resilient landscape for nearby residents. The projects’ designs will also slow flood velocities, reducing erosion, and promoting long-term sustainability of the canyon and creek ecosystems. By aligning with existing community plans, these projects will enhance local infrastructure while promoting environmental stewardship and healthier lifestyles.
Learn more about Tory R Walker Engineering projects and services at: www.trwengineering.com
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