Construction begins on channel improvements near Timberlake Estates, Ravensway in Cy-Fair

Construction kicked off in July on a $8 million flood control project that involves making channel improvements to a Cypress Creek tributary that runs through several flood-prone Cy-Fair neighborhoods.

The project—which includes stormwater conveyance improvements and erosion repair—is designed to benefit surrounding communities such as Timberlake Estates, Ravensway, Saracen Park and Cypress Creek Estates, all of which experienced flooding during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and the Tax Day flood in 2016.

Harris County commissioners approved the construction contract with Hurtado Construction back in April. The project is funded with money from a $2.5 billion 2018 flood control bond referendum. A little over $200 million from that bond is slated to go to projects along the length of Cypress Creek.

“This project will complement subdivision drainage improvements to help an area that has suffered through many recent rain events," Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said in a July 14 press release. "The start of this work brings our community another important step closer to realizing Harris County’s overall vision for the watershed as part of the flood control district’s Cypress Creek Implementation Program.”

The tributary starts near the confluence of Cypress Creek and Little Cypress Creek, running south parallel to Timberlake Drive until it reaches Cypress North Houston Road. Details on the project were first presented to community members at an engagement meeting in September. The project involves replacing a portion of the existing earthen channel with 4,750 feet of boxed culverts—structures that allow water to flow through the excavated area—including tie-ins with outfalls from adjoining subdivisions. About 1,200 feet of erosion control will also be installed downstream, near the confluence with Cypress Creek.

The increased capacity in the channel is expected to reduce flooding risks during two-, five- and 10-year storms in the nearby communities, according to the July 14 release.

Harris County Flood Control District officials warned that temporary lane closures will be needed along parts of Cypress North Houston Road, Jarvis Road and West Shadow Lake Lane as construction crews bring in heavy equipment such as dump trucks, excavators and bulldozers.

The project is expected to be completed around late 2021 or early 2022.