HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT PROJECT REBUILDING DRAINAGE DITCH TO REDUCE FLOODING RISKS
A portion of the US 59 southbound frontage road west of Weslayan Street will be closed for approximately three weeks beginning on or about Monday, February 18, as the Harris County Flood Control District continues construction to rebuild and partially enclose a poorly functioning drainage ditch. New signs were posted February 12, warning of the upcoming closure of the southbound frontage road on either side of the ditch, formally identified as W129-00-00.
The closure is part of the Flood Control District’s $14.4 million W129-00-00 Channel Enclosure Project, which will reduce flooding risks in the area by rebuilding and partially enclosing the ditch. The entire project spans from Richmond Avenue to Westpark Drive on the drainage ditch, which runs adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad tracks just inside West Loop 610. Closing the US 59 southbound frontage road on either side of the W129-00-00 ditch will allow for the removal of a bridge over the drainage ditch at that location, and replacement with dual 12’x10’ reinforced concrete boxes. (Work on the northbound frontage road near the ditch is nearing completion and that portion of the frontage road will be reopened before closure of the southbound portion begins.)
Alternate routes through the area will be via Richmond Avenue, Weslayan Street, Westpark Drive and Newcastle Street.
The closure is part of the final phase of a three-phase capital project to upgrade the W129-00-00 ditch. The first phase improved the channel from Buffalo Bayou to San Felipe Street. The second phase was from San Felipe Street to Richmond Avenue. When all three phases are complete, the structural integrity of the drainage infrastructure will be greatly improved, reducing the risk of flooding to surrounding neighborhoods and commercial areas.
The exact duration of the closure is dependent on the weather. Motorists are encouraged to be alert, to pay attention to all posted street and lane closures, and to take an alternate route.
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.