Creek erosion occurs when flowing water removes soil and rocks from stream banks and streambeds. Creek erosion can threaten homes, roads, bridges, trees, parkland, utilities and other infrastructure.
We work on projects that address erosion to create safe and stable stream systems. We use native materials and vegetation as much as possible to enhance the natural creek setting.
This page summarizes the process of our work and highlights several projects.
Featured Project - Jamestown Tributary
We are planning to start construction on the Jamestown Tributary project this fall. This project will protect yards, trees, buildings and infrastructure. It will stabilize the streambank of the Jamestown Tributary of Little Walnut Creek. It will also help reduce flood risk.
Process
Our capital improvement projects take many years from start to finish. The process typically includes the following phases:
- Feasibility Study – when information is collected to identify potential solutions.
- Preliminary Engineering – when a solution is identified and costs are estimated.
- Design and Permitting – when the details are worked out and construction plans drawn up.
- Bidding – when a contractor is hired and all permits are acquired.
- Construction – when the project is built.
Construction is dependent upon the availability of funding. In some cases, we are not able to identify a feasible or cost effective solution during the first two phases.
Easements
We sometimes need to purchase easements to complete our projects. An easement can be temporary during construction or permanent. There are many different types of easements, but they all give the City limited rights of access or use.
Drainage easements are particularly common for our projects. They are generally needed either to access and maintain infrastructure or to provide a place for water to flow. Residents should not build fences, walls, sheds or buildings within a drainage easement. They should be used for grass or flowers.
Report an Erosion Problem
Resources for Engineers
Our Projects
Please explore the boxes below for more information about some of our larger projects.
- Clarkson Tributary Rehabilitation
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This study will assess possible solutions to improve water quality and erosion along the Clarkson Tributary of Boggy Creek. We would like to address the following issues:
- Exposed wastewater pipes
- Poor water quality
- Steep banks near roadways and residential structures.
There is a water quality monitoring site is downstream of the Clarkson Tributary. Currently, the tributary is not suitable for contact recreation due to high E. coli levels. Explore this water quality tool to find most recent information for its subwatershed (listed as BOG3).
Watershed
Clarkson Tributary to Boggy Creek
Location
The Clarkson Tributary is a small creek that runs between Clarkson Avenue and E. 37th Street. It flows into Boggy Creek and is about 1,800 feet long. View location map.
Status
This project is currently in the preliminary engineering phase. Construction depends on the results of the study and the availability of funding.
Documents
- Project Flyer (May 2025)
Questions?
Lindsay Olinde, Project Engineer, 512-974-1867 or email Lindsay
- Eubank Tributary Streambank Stabilization
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This project will stabilize approximately 1,400 feet of stream bank along the Eubank Tributary. This small creek runs behind Eubank Drive and feeds into Walnut Creek. The project area is along the creek from North Bend Drive to Walnut Creek.
The goal is to protect yards, trees, buildings and infrastructure by stabilizing the stream banks. The project includes the following:
- Stabilization of the creek to prevent loss of land and fences from erosion
- Enhance native vegetation along the stream banks
- Restore the natural function of the stream
- New landscaping and planting throughout the project area
Watershed
Eubank Tributary to Walnut Creek
Location
The project is located between Eubank Drive and Lamar Boulevard, from North Bend Drive to Walnut Creek. View location map.
Status
This project is currently in the design phase, which is expected to wrap up in 2026. Construction is dependent upon the availability of funding.
Opinion of Probable Construction Cost
$5.3 million
Questions?
Ingrid Tower, Project Lead, 512-974-6326 or email Ingrid.
- Jamestown Tributary Stream Rehabilitation
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This project will protect yards, trees, buildings and infrastructure by stabilizing the streambank. It will also reduce localized flooding on Jamestown Drive. The project will:
- Stabilize approximately 2,500 feet of streambank, from Thurmond Drive to Payton Gin Pocket Park, using natural limestone boulders, mechanically stabilized earth walls, and graded slopes.
- Upgrade storm drain pipes along Jamestown Drive.
- Install a bridge over the creek on Fairfield Drive to reduce flooding over the roadway. The bridge will replace the culvert.
- Plant native vegetation along the streambanks and remove large concrete debris. This will restore the natural character of the creek and improve water quality.
Watershed
Jamestown Tributary to Little Walnut Creek
Location
The James Tributary is a small creek that flows into Little Walnut Creek. The project is along Jamestown Drive, just west of Lamar Boulevard and south of Payton Gin Road. View location map.
Status
This project is in the permitting phase. Construction is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2025. To sign up for email updates on this project, please email Quyen Nguyen.
Opinion of Probable Construction Cost
$8.2 million
Easements
Easements were required for this project on properties along the Jamestown Tributary where the banks were eroding.
Documents
English Factsheet, also available in:
Questions?
Claudia Corsetti, Project Manager, 512-974-7205 or Email Claudia
Quyen Nguyen, Public Information Specialist, 512-978-1943 or Email Quyen,
- Richmond Tributary Rehabilitation
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This project will repair and stabilize approximately 1,800 linear feet of stream bank along the Richmond Tributary to Williamson Creek. This project will protect yards, trees, buildings and infrastructure by stabilizing the streambank. The project includes the following:
- Stabilization of the creek to prevent property from erosion
- Creek beautification through the use of natural and native materials
- New landscaping and planting throughout the project area
- Relocation of water and wastewater lines
- Culvert upgrades at Philco and Green Forest Drive to reduce flood risks
View map of proposed Richmond Tributary project.
Construction Impacts
- Construction noise during work hours
- Construction traffic on neighborhood streets
- Utility pole relocation
- Removal of trees near creek
- Fence relocation and replacement
Watershed
Richmond Tributary to Williamson Creek
Location
The Richmond Tributary is a small creek that flows into Williamson Creek, south of Ben White Boulevard. This project is located behind homes on Richmond Avenue and Gillis Street, between Redd Street and the railroad tracks.
Status
This project is currently in design with construction anticipated to begin late in the fall of 2025.
Opinion of Probable Construction Cost
$6.3 million
Easements
Easements were required for this project from property owners along the eroding creek. We will be accessing these easements to stabilize the creek bank and complete the project.
Documents
Questions?
- Ria Yamaguchi, Project Manager, 512-974-9125 or Email Ria
- Helen Hartman, Project Sponsor, 512-974-1844, or Email Helen
- Turtle Creek Streambank Stabilization
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This project will stabilize and restore approximately 1,500 feet of Williamson Creek Tributary 4 (Turtle Creek) in South Austin. Erosion has damaged both residential and commercial properties. Plans include:
- Grading and sloping the creek banks
- Limestone block walls and grade controls
- Native vegetation along the banks
- Rock riffles to enhance the creeks environment and support biodiversity.
In addition to stabilizing the creek banks, the project will improve wildlife habitat, protect private property and public infrastructure from future damage.
Watershed
Turtle Creek, officially called Tributary 4 to Williamson Creek
Location
The project is divided into two locations:
- Along backyards of Middleham Place, between Eberhart Lane and Turtle Creek Blvd.
- Between properties near Stassney and Hummingbird Lanes
Status
This project is currently in design with construction estimated to begin in late 2026.
Opinion of Probable Construction Cost
$2.7 million
Documents
Questions?
- Donald Heisch, Project Sponsor, 512-550-1556 or Email Donald
Don’t see your project? It may be considered a creek flood, local flood or water quality-related project. A complete list of Capital Improvement Program projects is available on Capital Project Explorer.