Austin Watershed Protection

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Oak Knoll

Heavy equipment and construction workers on unpaved, residential street

CIP ID: 5789.102

Project Overview

This project will improve the storm drain system in the Oak Knoll Drive area and help protect the area from flooding. The neighborhood has experienced multiple flooding events affecting 10 buildings and two roadways, particularly a cluster of houses located in a low-lying area between Woodcrest Drive and Research Boulevard. The existing inlets and storm drains are undersized, which contributes to these drainage issues.

The project consists of installing new storm drain pipes and inlets and improving existing pipes in the following areas:

  • Broad Oaks Dr.
  • Oak Knoll Dr.
  • Woodcrest Dr.
  • Columbia Oaks Dr. (project includes three side by side pipes)
  • Between backyards of houses on Three Oaks Trail and Columbia Oaks Dr.

It also includes improvements to a detention pond on Chelsea Moor near Broad Oaks Drive. We will increase the pond’s capacity by deepening it. We will connect the pond directly to the storm drain system.

Read the July 22 update.

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Northwest Austin, Council District 10

Project Map

This project is in the Walnut Creek watershed. The project is located between Woodcrest Drive and Jollyville  Road and between Broad Oaks Drive and Columbia Oaks Drive.

Map of existing and proposed drainage infrastructure
The map shows existing storm drains (black hatched line) and the new storm drains to be installed (green line). The new storm drain will be installed on multiple roads, including Columbia Oaks Drive, Oak Knoll Drive, Broad Oaks Drive, and Woodcrest Drive as well as in easements between Three Oaks Trail and Columbia Oaks Drive.

What to Expect During Construction

This is a major construction project. Please be patient while we work to reduce the risk of flooding in your neighborhood. Please expect:

  • Noise, dust, and increased activity.
  • Workers and equipment in the public utility easement behind houses.

  • Trenches to install pipes below the roadway and in drainage easements for the new storm drain system.

  • Digging behind the curb in some spots to install inlets.

  • Detours, lane closures and no parking areas.

The road is part of an active construction site. Final paving will happen after all work is complete. In the meantime, we are sweeping the street and applying temporary asphalt patches to allow use by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. 

Important Tips

  • Please slow down around workers, obey all signage, and do not park in "No Parking" zones.

  • Stay out of all fenced-off areas and keep child and pets away from construction sites and equipment.

  • Set your garbage, recycling, and yard trimmings out as usual.

  • Leave extra time for travel. 

Home Access

You may not be able to access your driveway for a few days when work is directly in front of your house. Please park cars on a nearby street when your driveway is not accessible.

Water and Utilities

We will need to shut off water periodically to complete some of the work for this project. We will leave a notice 48 hours in advance with two exceptions:

  • We may briefly turn off water without notice to test valves and equipment ahead of a planned outage.
  • There is always the possibility of a temporary, loss of water or other service if a pipe or line is broken. We’ll respond immediately to restore service if this happens. We have done a lot of research ahead of time to pinpoint where all the underground utilities are. This should help us avoid breaking any pipes.

Get more information about leaks and water outages.

Staging Areas

We will be storing equipment and materials within the project area, also called the limits of construction. Fencing will be installed to identify the limits of construction.

Trees

Trees are important to us, but we will need to remove some to complete this project. We will be taking steps to protect other trees with fencing or planking. We may trim low-hanging branches.

Key Contacts