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 water and wastewater pipes.

Status

November 16, 2022: This project has been placed on hold while the project team works to select a new contractor. The City of Austin is working quickly to restart the project, which is set to be completed in 2025.

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

Construction Time Frame

Construction started in the summer of 2021.

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. All contractors and City staff are expected to wear masks when they are unable to maintain physical distance.   

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 6 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. 

Water: We will need to shut water off several times during the project. We will notify residents 48 hours before scheduled shut-offs along with a time-frame for the shut-off. 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 will close the soccer fields and other areas within Quail Creek Neighborhood Park during construction. The exercise equipment will be removed during the project. We will also need to remove some trees in the park. Brownie Park may be used as an alternative for residents.  

Estimated Budget

$19.7 million for construction

Public Meeting 

We held a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, to talk about the construction.

Documents

Email Updates

Please use this form to sign up for occasional email updates. Check the box for "Little Walnut Creek."

Contacts