Last week, the Harris County Flood Control District maintenance team mobilized crews and equipment to begin important construction work at the Second Outlet Gated Structure, located near SH 146 just north of the Clear Lake natural outlet at Kemah and Seabrook.
The Gated Structure was installed to preserve Clear Lake’s natural hydraulic and environmental conditions. The structure helps regulate:
• Salinity levels
• Sediment transport
• The rate of tidal inflows from the bay
By controlling these factors, the Gated Structure helps protect the ecological balance of Clear Lake after the outlet channel’s construction.
Over the next several weeks, we will be removing and replacing all six massive carbon steel gates — each one measuring approximately 20 feet by 21 feet and weighing nearly 10 tons. Using two barges and a crane, our crews will carefully lift out and replace each gate. Weather permitting, we plan to complete one gate per week and finish the project by the end of May.
Because of the size of the equipment and the challenges posed by coastal winds and tides, maintaining a safe work environment is our highest priority throughout this effort.
We look forward to keeping you updated as this important work progresses! Visit hcfcd.org/maintenance to learn more about our maintenance programs. If you would like to learn more about the Second Outlet Gated Structure, click here.
Thank you for your support and understanding as we work to protect our community and natural resources.