Parkfield Drive, Mearns Meadow Boulevard intersection closed through March

The Parkfield Drive and Mearns Meadow Boulevard intersection is closed through March as officials continue work on Phase 1 of the Little Walnut Creek Flood Risk Reduction Project.

The details

Spearheaded by the Capital Delivery Services Department and the Austin Watershed Department, Phase 1 of the project extends from Rutland Drive to Parkfield Drive. After work is completed, the road section will be repaved and reopened to through traffic, according to previous Community Impact reporting.

The intersection closure began in mid-December with an anticipated end in early 2024. Though March marks the anticipated completion of Phase 1, the exact date is contingent upon weather conditions, said Phillip Ramati, senior public information specialist for the Austin Capital Delivery Services Department, in an email to Community Impact.

Work for Phase 1 is still on track as of Jan. 10, Ramati said.

Diving in deeper

There are four phases to the project, with estimated completion for the full project slated for 2026.

Each phase of the project includes digging a 20-foot trench along Mearns Meadow Boulevard and installing a rectangular concrete drainage pipe to divert flood water to the Mearns Meadow Detention Pond in Quail Creek Park.

The impact

Project officials expect the completed project will benefit homeowners by taking some homes out of the floodplain and making flooding for those still within the floodplain less severe.