HOUSTON, TEXAS - The Harris County Flood Control District has begun work on a $7.96 million construction project to improve stormwater conveyance and repair erosion along a Cypress Creek tributary formally identified as K163-00-00. Construction on the project, which is located north of Cypress North Houston Road near the confluence of Cypress and Little Cypress creeks in northwest Harris County, began in July.
The project will replace a portion of the existing earthen channel with 4,750 linear feet of boxed culverts, including inlets, junction boxes and tie-ins with outfalls from adjoining subdivisions. The project also includes the installation of approximately 1,200 linear feet of erosion control for the channel downstream, near the confluence with Cypress Creek.
Harris County Commissioners Court awarded a $7.96 million contract to low bidder Hurtado Construction to build the project on April 7, 2020, with construction funding that is included in the 2018 Flood Control District Bond Program. Work is expected to be completed in winter 2021/2022.
“This project brings us closer to delivering on promises we made to Northwest Harris County voters who approved this investment,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. “This project will complement subdivision drainage improvements to help an area that has suffered through many recent rain events. 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 K163-00-00 channel is adjacent to the Saracen Park, Ravensway, Timberlake Estates and Cypress Creek Estates subdivisions. Project improvements will reduce flooding risks during the frequent 2-, 5- and 10-year storm events by providing increased capacity in the channel. The increased capacity of the K163-00-00 channel also will store more of the stormwater backing up into the channel from Cypress Creek. This project works in conjunction with the Harris County Engineering Department’s subdivision stormwater improvement projects to address repetitive flooding in the area, particularly within the neighboring subdivisions.
Access to the work area will be via Cypress North Houston Road, Jarvis Road and West Shadow Lake Lane. The contractor will use heavy construction equipment such as dump trucks, excavators and bulldozers. Flag personnel will conduct temporary lane closures for the safety of both motorists and construction workers, as needed. Motorists are urged to be alert to truck traffic when passing near construction access points and along truck routes.
The Flood Control District is taking a watershed-wide approach to executing flood risk reduction projects in Cypress Creek through the Cypress Creek Implementation Program. This approach provides a holistic view of activity in the watershed and enables the Flood Control District to deliver projects strategically and efficiently in a heavily developed area. Projects will include stormwater detention basins, channel improvements on various Cypress Creek tributaries, and right-of-way acquisition for floodplain preservation.
ABOUT THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT
The Harris County Flood Control District provides flood damage reduction projects that work, with appropriate regard for community and natural values. With more than 1,500 bayous and creeks totaling approximately 2,500 miles in length, the Flood Control District accomplishes its mission by devising flood damage reduction plans, implementing the plans and maintaining the infrastructure. For more information about the Flood Control District, visit HCFCD.ORG or follow us @HCFCD on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest #HCFCDnews.