In July, the City of Austin began work on the Waller Creek Tunnel Outlet, a facility that will direct flood waters out of the tunnel and into Lady Bird Lake. With the launch of the outlet project, all major components of the Waller Creek Tunnel Project, including the main segment and the inlet facility, are under construction.

In early October, the tunnel outlet contractor will begin building a cofferdam and slurry wall along the shore of Lady Bird Lake. The slurry wall is a four-foot wide concrete wall that will be anchored into solid rock to seal off lake waters from the construction area. The cofferdam will allow water to be pumped out, creating a dry work area. Once the outlet lagoon is built, the cofferdam will be removed, and lake water will fill the lagoon. Please note that there will be an increase in visible construction activities and truck traffic along the Trinity cul-de-sac.

The outlet facility is located just south of the Trinity cul-de-sac off of Cesar Chavez, in close proximity to the recently completed Parks and Recreation Department Boathouse. The outlet includes a 150-foot wide, 50-foot deep lagoon adjacent to the mouth of Waller Creek, a maintenance road and a cofferdam. Zachry Construction Corporation will perform the workWhen finished, it will look like a natural wetland cove fringed by native vegetation. Outlet construction will be followed by a site restoration project that will install park amenities including ADA-compliant trails, wetlands, a scenic overlook and landscaping.

Construction is scheduled for completion in 2014.

For more information on the Waller Creek Tunnel project, visit www.austintexas.gov/wallercreek.