The Waller Creek corridor in downtown Austin is part of a 100-year floodplain and, by the project’s start date in July 2012, was in need of a comprehensive flood relief plan. The City of Austin awarded Zachry a contract to construct a flood outlet structure that provides immediate storm water relief and reintegrate a vibrant new space into the heart of the Texas Capital.

In addition to providing a cost-effective flood control system for lower Waller Creek, the project reduces flood risk by narrowing the floodplain, enhances water quality, mitigates creek-bed erosion, complements the surrounding cityscape and, ultimately, provides increased economic activity by opening up nearly 28 acres of flood-prone land to development.

In addition to providing a cost-effective flood control system for lower Waller Creek, the project will reduce flood risk by narrowing the floodplain, enhance water quality, mitigate creek-bed erosion, complement the surrounding cityscape and, ultimately, provide increased economic activity by opening up some 28 acres of flood-prone land to development.

The new outlet structure also entails the construction of a cofferdam -a temporary dry work area used during the project) a maintenance access road and an adjacent lagoon measuring 150 feet wide and 50 feet deep.

Zachry seamlessly incorporated all design and aesthetic considerations with virtually no disruption to the overall schedule and budget.