City of Fort Worth, TX

12/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/18/2024 05:16

Central City Flood Control Project poised for additional progress

Central City Flood Control Project poised for additional progress

Published on December 18, 2024

The Fort Worth Central City Flood Control Project is advancing as critical utility relocations pave the way for the planned bypass channel. This vital part of the City's flood protection and revitalization efforts is aimed at safeguarding the community and supporting its growth.

Before work on the bypass channel can begin, however, all City infrastructure and franchise utilities must be relocated from the surrounding area.

"For the Fort Worth Central City Flood Control Project to be constructed, all the existing storm drain systems and all other public/private infrastructure in the path of the bypass channel must be removed or relocated," said Clair Davis, senior capital projects officer in the FWLab. "The City of Fort Worth is currently in the process of relocating these systems through several individual projects."

For example, Oncor owns and maintains the large electric transmission towers that sit within the construction zone. Fort Worth City Council approved $3.2 million to relocate those towers at the Dec. 10 meeting. Expenses will be reimbursed through Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD).

"There is a significant amount of interagency coordination on these projects, including a bi-weekly Project Delivery Team meeting that I run that includes appropriate staff members from the City, TRWD and the franchise utility coordinators," said Davis about the cooperation necessary to manage the technically challenging process.

One particularly challenging project - the New Main Street Outfall and Eighth Avenue storm drain relocations - involves tunneling under an existing levee with three 104-inch tunnels to contain three 72-inch drainage pipes, Davis said. Remaining work includes completing hand tunneling, which must be done before crews can construct a sluice gate and junction box and install the last drainage pipe.

"The New Main Street Outfall and Eighth Avenue project remains fully funded and on track for an August 2025 completion," Davis said.

Three other storm drain pipe relocation projects are also on track and fully funded:

  • Grand Avenue Phase 2
  • Viola Street
  • Greenleaf Street

About the Central City Flood Control Project

Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Central City Flood Control Project is designed to protect more than 2,400 acres of homes and businesses along the Clear Fork and West Fork of the Trinity River from flood risks.

The Fort Worth Floodway levees were originally constructed in the early 1900s in response to devastating flooding. They were modified in the 1950s, and the current system was built in the 1960s.

Recent congressionally authorized floodway studies determined that modifications are needed to further reduce flood risk and ensure long-term protection. The USACE is on target to award the bypass channel construction project next year as planned.

Photo: Crews work on the main outfall, which discharges stormwater runoff to prevent flooding and improve drainage in the area.

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