Austin Watershed Protection and Austin Capital Delivery Services are continuing to make progress on flood risk reduction projects in the Northwest Austin area.
The overview
The final phase of the Little Walnut Creek Flood Risk Reduction project is underway, which will divert floodwaters from the creek to underground culverts, expand the stormwater detention pond at Quail Creek Park, and replace and upgrade water and wastewater lines.
This $28.8 million project is being funded by drainage charges, 2018 drainage bonds and Austin Water, and is expected to be complete within the next six months as work on the detention pond continues.
The $9 million Oak Knoll Flood Risk Reduction project is also underway, with completion expected in 2027. Funded by Austin’s 2018 bond, the project will improve the storm drain system in part of the Oak Knoll neighborhood to reduce the risk of flooding, including the installation of new storm drain pipes and inlets and increasing the capacity of the Chelsea Moor detention pond.
According to officials, crews could begin work along Woodcrest Drive in June and said there will be one-lane closures during this time.
What else?
Austin Watershed officials announced in April that crews completed the January Drive Flood Risk Reduction project, a $1.93 million project funded by Austin’s 2018 drainage bonds.
According to a news release, storms in 2015 caused heavy flooding in the Four Seasons neighborhood due to its existing storm drain system not being able to convey the large volume of runoff.
Work included over 1,700 feet of new storm drain pipes to reroute and upsize the existing storm drain system to be underneath January Drive, which places most of the system within the public right of way for easier long-term maintenance. Per the release, the project reduces flooding to over 70 properties.
Other work included landscape restoration to remove invasive plant species and establish a “grow zone” at the creek outfall to reduce future erosion.
