Waller Creek Tunnel

For years, Austin’s Waller Creek has been beset by flooding, erosion and litter. The creek corridor has taken on a neglected character and has fallen short of its potential. The Waller Creek Tunnel Project, the first step toward reintegrating the creek into the life of Austin, will address these problems.

Construction

The Waller Creek Flood Control Tunnel Project will construct a stormwater bypass tunnel to address problems of flooding and erosion along lower Waller Creek. The mile-long tunnel will capture and redirect flood waters south of 12th Street and safely carry them to an outlet lagoon on the shores of Lady Bird Lake. In doing so, the tunnel will take nearly 28 acres of downtown land out of the 100-year floodplain and create an environment suitable for redevelopment. The project will also include amenities such as a new public boathouse and stream bank restoration. The project is scheduled for completion in 2014.

Future Plans

Once the risk of flooding is reduced, future plans call for restoring the ecology of the creek, improving adjacent parks and open space and enhancing pedestrian and bicycle connections between Lady Bird Lake, the University of Texas and East Austin. A safer, healthier and more attractive creek will be a springboard for the creation of a vibrant and vital space within the heart of the City.