Mid City Times

The Fort Worth Central City Flood Control Project is making headway as utility relocations clear the path for a planned bypass channel. This initiative aims to enhance flood protection and support community growth.

Clair Davis, senior capital projects officer in the FWLab, explained that "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." The city is currently working on relocating these systems through various projects.

Oncor's large electric transmission towers within the construction zone are among those being moved. The Fort Worth City Council approved $3.2 million for this relocation on December 10, with expenses reimbursed by Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD).

Davis highlighted the importance of coordination: “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.”

One challenging task involves tunneling under an existing levee with three tunnels for drainage pipes. Davis noted that "the New Main Street Outfall and Eighth Avenue project remains fully funded and on track for an August 2025 completion."

Three additional storm drain pipe relocation projects are also progressing as planned.

Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), this project aims to protect over 2,400 acres along the Clear Fork and West Fork of the Trinity River from flooding risks. Originally built in response to early 1900s floods, modifications were made in subsequent decades. Recent studies suggest further changes are needed to reduce flood risk.

The USACE plans to award construction contracts for the bypass channel next year.