Erosion occurs along the banks of creeks and rivers when flowing water removes soil and rocks. Erosion can threaten homes, roads, bridges, trees, parkland, utilities and other infrastructure.
We work on projects to address erosion and create safe and stable stream systems. To enhance the natural creek setting, we use native materials and vegetation as much as possible.
Featured Project - Park Plaza
Project complete! We recently wrapped up the Park Plaza Stream Stabilization Project at the intersection of I-35 and Little Walnut Creek in northeast Austin. This 800-linear-foot project will help protect the neighborhood by stabilizing the creek banks. A stabilized creek means a more resilient and sustainable future for the area.
Our Projects
Please explore the boxes below for more information about some of our larger projects.
- Clarkson Tributary Rehabilitation
-
This study will assess possible solutions to improve water quality and erosion along the Clarkson Tributary of Boggy Creek. We would like to address the following issues:
- Exposed wastewater pipes
- Poor water quality
- Trash and waste
- Steep banks near roadways and residential structures.
There is a water quality monitoring site is downstream of the Clarkson Tributary. The tributary has high E. coli levels, which means it is not suitable for contact recreation. Use this map for the most recent information.
Watershed
Clarkson Tributary to Boggy Creek
Location
The Clarkson Tributary is a small creek that runs between Clarkson Avenue and E. 37th Street. It flows into Boggy Creek and is about 1,800 feet long. View location map.
Status
This project is currently in the feasibility study phase. Construction depends on the results of the study and the availability of funding.
Questions?
Lindsay Olinde, Project Engineer, 512-974-1867 or email Lindsay
- Eubank Tributary Streambank Stabilization
-
This project will stabilize approximately 1,400 feet of stream bank along the Eubank Tributary. This small creek runs behind Eubank Drive and feeds into Walnut Creek. The project area is along the creek from North Bend Drive to Walnut Creek.
The goal is to protect yards, trees, buildings and infrastructure by stabilizing the stream banks. The project includes the following:
- Stabilization of the creek to prevent loss of land and fences from erosion
- Enhance native vegetation along the stream banks
- Restore the natural function of the stream
- New landscaping and planting throughout the project area
Watershed
Eubank Tributary to Walnut Creek
Location
The project is located between Eubank Drive and Lamar Boulevard, from North Bend Drive to Walnut Creek. View location map.
Status
This project is currently in the design phase. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026.
Opinion of Probable Construction Cost
$5,320,000
Questions?
Ingrid Tower, Project Lead, 512-974-6326 or email Ingrid.
- Jamestown Tributary Stream Rehabilitation
-
This project will protect yards, trees, buildings and infrastructure by stabilizing the streambank. It will also reduce localized flooding on Jamestown Drive. The project will:
- Stabilize approximately 2,500 feet of streambank, from Thurmond Drive to Payton Gin Pocket Park, using natural limestone boulders, mechanically stabilized earth walls, and graded slopes.
- Upgrade storm drain pipes along Jamestown Drive.
- Install a bridge over the creek on Fairfield Drive to reduce flooding over the roadway. The bridge will replace the culvert.
- Plant native vegetation along the streambanks and remove large concrete debris. This will restore the natural character of the creek and improve water quality.
Watershed
Jamestown Tributary to Little Walnut Creek
Location
The James Tributary is a small creek that flows into Little Walnut Creek. The project is along Jamestown Drive, just west of Lamar Boulevard and south of Payton Gin Road. View location map.
Status
This project is in the permitting phase. Construction is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2025. To sign up for email updates on this project, please email Quyen Nguyen.
Opinion of Probable Construction Cost
$8,175,000
Easements
Easements were required for this project on properties along the Jamestown Tributary where the banks were eroding.
Documents
Questions?
Claudia Corsetti, Project Manager, 512-974-7205 or Email Claudia
- Richmond Tributary Rehabilitation
-
This project will repair and stabilize approximately 1,200 linear feet of stream bank along the Richmond Tributary to Williamson Creek. This project will protect yards, trees, buildings and infrastructure by stabilizing the streambank. The project includes the following:
- Stabilization of the creek to prevent property from erosion
- Creek beautification through the use of natural and native materials
- New landscaping and planting throughout the project area
- Relocation of a wastewater line
- Culvert upgrades at Philco and Green Forest Drive to reduce flood risks
Watershed
Richmond Tributary to Williamson Creek
Location
The Richmond Tributary is a small creek that flows into Williamson Creek, south of Ben White Boulevard. This project is located behind homes on Richmond Avenue and Gillis Street, between Redd Street and the railroad tracks. View location map.
Status
This project is currently in design with construction anticipated to begin in early 2026.
Opinion of Probable Construction Cost
$6,250,000
Easements
Easements were required for this project from property owners along the eroding creek. We will be accessing these easements to stabilize the creek bank and complete the project.
Documents
- Richmond Tributary Fact Sheet
- Richmond Tributary Fact Sheet (Spanish Version)
- PowerPoint Presentation (July 2023)
Questions?
- Ria Yamaguchi, Project Manager, 512-974-9125 or Email Ria
- Turtle Creek Streambank Stabilization
-
This project will stabilize and restore approximately 1,500 feet of Williamson Creek Tributary 4 (Turtle Creek) in South Austin. Erosion has damaged both residential and commercial properties. Plans include:
- Grading and sloping the creek banks
- Limestone block walls and grade controls
- Native vegetation along the banks
- Rock riffles to enhance the creeks environment and support biodiversity.
In addition to stabilizing the creek banks, the project will improve wildlife habitat, protect private property and public infrastructure from future damage.
Watershed
Turtle Creek, officially called Tributary 4 to Williamson Creek
Location
The project is divided into two locations:
- Along backyards of Middleham Place, between Eberhart Lane and Turtle Creek Blvd.
- Between properties near Stassney and Hummingbird Lanes
Status
This project is currently in design with construction estimated to begin in late 2026.
Opinion of Probable Construction Cost
$2,700,000
Documents
Questions?
- Donald Heisch, Project Sponsor, 512-550-1556 or Email Donald
Don’t see your project? It may be considered a flood or water quality-related project. A complete list of Capital Improvement Program projects is available on Capital Project Explorer.
- See list of Watershed Protection projects with web pages
- Go to Capital Project Explorer
- Explore map of projects by Council District
Process
Our capital improvement projects take many years from start to finish. The process typically includes the following phases:
- Feasibility Study – when information is collected to identify potential solutions.
- Preliminary Engineering – when a solution is identified and costs are estimated.
- Design and Permitting – when the details are worked out and construction plans drawn up.
- Bidding – when a contractor is hired and all permits are acquired.
- Construction – when the project is built.
Construction is dependent upon the availability of funding. In some cases, we are not able to identify a feasible or cost effective solution during the first two phases.
Easements
We sometimes need to purchase easements to complete our projects. An easement can either be permanent or temporary during construction. There are many different types of easements, but they all give the City limited rights of access or use.
Drainage easements are particularly common for our projects. They are generally needed either to access and maintain infrastructure or to provide a place for water to flow. Residents should not build fences, walls, sheds or buildings within a drainage easement. They should be used for grass or flowers.