IDS Engineering Group presented three viable open channel alternatives for the ongoing Poor Farm Ditch project that will provide adequate drainage capacity for West University Place and Southside Place on Dec. 9.
What you need to know
West University officials originally voted in December 2022 to conduct a north-side feasibility study to evaluate the potential of enclosing the northern section of Poor Farm Ditch between Bissonnet Street and University Boulevard.
However, the first phase of the study, which was completed in March 2023, concluded that the depth of the storm flows within roadways and lots near the ditch would be negatively impacted if the current open channel section was modified.
Council members decided to not complete the next steps of the feasibility study and instead redirected funding to evaluate other available options for the northern section of Upper Poor Farm Ditch.
The options
IDS Engineering Group presented those alternative options Dec. 9 during a regular City Council session.
Alternative No. 1: typical Harris County Flood Control District slope channel ditch
- A typical slope channel ditch is designed with a consistent downward incline with side slopes created to prevent erosion and increase water flow.
- This style is used in the Poor Farm Ditch section from Bellaire Boulevard to University Boulevard.
- The cost is $1,428 per linear square feet.
- A gabion wall is a simple, low-cost solution for stabilizing slopes and preventing erosion of river banks.
- The wall is constructed using wire cages filled with rocks where vegetation is intentionally planted within the gaps between stones to allow plants to grow.
- The cost is $1,467 per linear square feet.
- A U-Ditch is a precast concrete drainage channel shaped like the letter "U" commonly used for directing rainwater and other water runoff.
- The material is typically made from high-strength concrete and often used in construction projects due to its efficient design and ease of installment.
- The cost is $2,265 per linear square feet.
The discussion
Council members discussed the three options, but showed favor for the gabion wall for its aesthetic purposes. However, city officials were concerned on how a redesign would affect the Harris County Flood Control District's current timeline for repair and replacement of the ditch.
Mayor Pro Tem John Montgomery said the council and city need to start engaging with the county as soon as possible for this project.
"I think this, in concept, is a neat opportunity to beautify the area and add some practical long-term benefits to an asset that we can't afford to have fail anyway," he said during the meeting. "We need to start the process with engaging the county, because they are not going to take it upon themselves to start replacing this half on their own. The sooner we start that the better."
More details
The flood control district is overseeing the construction for Poor Farm Ditch, which is anticipated to start in early 2025. However, the $30 million project will only support building a channel structure and rehabilitating existing channels, not replacing the entire 60-year-old ditch.
Council members said if they move forward with one of the three presented options, the city may have to front a portion of the cost.
Mayor Susan Sample said in light of the city working on other capital improvement projects, such as the Facilities Master Plan, that she would prefer the city hold off on any new measures and allow the county to finish their work first.
"This is a multimillion dollar repair project," she said. "I want to see what we get when [the county] is done with it. I'd like to see this get finished. It's a very expensive project to take on right now."
