Atlas 14

This project will reduce flooding for houses and roads near Little Walnut Creek between Metric Blvd. and Rutland Dr.  It includes a pipe to carry floodwaters, pond improvements at Quail Creek Park and upgrades to wastewater pipes.

Status

August 24, 2023: Since restarting construction in July, work has been focused on the detention pond at Quail Creek Park. On August 26 Mearns Meadow Blvd. will be closed to through traffic between Rutland and Parkfield Drives.  

July 11, 2023: The City of Austin has issued a Notice to Proceed to the new contractor with an effective date of July 10, 2023. The contractor is mobilizing. Initial work will be in the area of the pond in Quail Creek Neighborhood Park, including mowing, cleaning and surveying the pond. The contractor will also complete the modifications to the pond called for in the construction plans.   

Map of Proposed Project Alignment

Map showing proposed culvert.

Floodwater will be diverted to a large box culvert that will run under Mearns Meadow Boulevard. A box culvert is a rectangular-shaped pipe installed under the road. The proposed box culvert would run from Quail Valley Boulevard to the Mearns Meadow Detention Pond in Quail Creek Park. 

The project will benefit many homes. Some homes will no longer be in the floodplain. Others will remain in the floodplain, but will be much less likely to flood. Any flooding that occurs should be less severe. 

Project Summary

  • 13-foot by 10-foot concrete box culvert 
  • New inlets to allow water to enter the box culvert and reduce street flooding 
  • Improvements to Mearns Meadow Detention Pond 
  • Improvements to water and wastewater lines 
  • Improvements to Quail Creek Park and trails 
  • Mearns Meadow Boulevard repaved and reconstructed 

Anticipated Construction Schedule

Construction will take place on Mearns Meadow Boulevard in four phases. 

  • Phase 1 - between Rutland Dr. and Parkfield Dr.  
    • Work resumed in July, 2023. Phase 1 work is anticipated to be completed late-2023 
  • Phase 2 – between Parkfield Dr. and Mountain Quail Rd. 
    • Work will begin at the conclusion of Phase 1. Work is anticipated to be completed by mid-2024. 
  • Phase 3 – between Mountain Quail Rd. and Quail Valley Dr. 
    • Work will begin in early-2025 and is anticipated to be completed by mid-2025. 
  • Phase 4 – between Quail Valley Dr. and Boyer Blvd. 
    • Work will begin in mid-2025 and is anticipated to be completed by early-2026. 

Construction Impacts

This project will cause some disruptions to the neighborhood. We ask that you stay aware of safety fencing and signage and keep children and pets away from the construction area and equipment. We will coordinate with emergency workers to ensure that they will always have access to the area.  

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience and cooperation. Please expect the following:  

Noise, Dust and Vibrations: Work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  

Getting Around: We will close lanes and sometimes whole blocks of Mearns Meadow Boulevard between Metric and Rutland. The street may be rough to drive on before it is reconstructed at the end of the project. Bus routes may be detoured.  

Parking: No parking in work areas on Mearns Meadow Boulevard. Notification will be 48 hours prior and then cars will be towed to a nearby street outside of the work area  

Water: There is always the potential for temporary, unexpected disruptions to water or other services if a line is accidentally cut. We will take care to avoid this.  

Yards and Trees: There will be some digging in designated yards behind the curb to install 30 new inlets. The digging will be in the right of way, which extends about 10 feet behind the curb line. A City of Austin arborist will decide which trees need to be protected with fencing or planking and if any low-hanging branches need to be trimmed.   

Park: We have closed the soccer fields and other areas within Quail Creek Neighborhood Park during construction. The park, including the soccer field and the exercise equipment will be restored once work is completed. In the meantime, Brownie Park may be used as an alternative soccer field for residents.   

Estimated Budget

$19.7 million for construction

Public Meeting 

We held a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 and an in-person public meeting on Saturday, August 19 to talk about the construction. 

Email Updates

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Contacts