CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON COLE CREEK EROSION REPAIRS
The Harris County Flood Control District began construction of a maintenance project along a 3,200-foot section of Cole Creek in north central Harris County in October.
The project will repair and rebuild eroded side slopes of Cole Creek from its confluence with White Oak Bayou southwest of the intersection of West Tidwell Road and T.C. Jester Boulevard upstream to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe bridge east of Antoine Drive.
On August 21, Harris County Commissioners Court awarded the approximately $576,000 construction contract to BRH-Garver Construction, LP. The project will take approximately 80 working days to complete, weather and schedule permitting.
Erosion has occurred and resulted in damage to the slopes and various storm sewer and outfall pipes in the project area. The maintenance project, formally identified as E117-00-00-X012, will include removal and replacement of damaged outfall pipes and installation of buried riprap on the creek’s slopes and toe line, which is the lowest point of a channel’s banks. Riprap in Harris County is typically recycled concrete that is processed to fit together like natural rock. Riprap is usually buried and helps armor a channel’s banks to prevent future erosion and provides habitat for wildlife.
Erosion is caused by a combination of poor soil quality and the constant flow of stormwater through a bayou, creek or other waterway. Unchecked erosion can wear away the banks of a creek and potentially affect its ability to move water downstream.
ABOUT THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT: The Harris County Flood Control District provides flood damage reduction projects that work, with appropriate regard for community and natural values. With more than 1,500 bayous and creeks totaling approximately 2,500 miles in length, the Flood Control District accomplishes its mission by devising flood damage reduction plans, implementing the plans and maintaining the infrastructure. To learn more about the Flood Control District, visit www.hcfcd.org.
Photo 1: Eroded side slopes along Cole Creek in north central Harris County expose and cause damage to storm sewer and outfall pipes.
Photo 2: The area shaded in green on the map designates the limits of a maintenance project the Harris County Flood Control District began on Cole Creek in October.