This project will improve the storm drain system in part of the Oak Knoll neighborhood. The project is located between Woodcrest Drive and Jollyville Road and between Broad Oaks Drive and Columbia Oaks Drive.

The type of flooding occurring in this area is known as local flooding. It generally occurs away from creeks. It occurs in areas where the drainage system of pipes and inlets is insufficient or undersized. The project area currently has a very limited drainage system, which is the main reason for flooding in the area.

Public Meeting

Please join us to learn more about this project at a virtual public meeting over Zoom at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2024

You can also call in to listen to the presentation, but you won't be able to see the slides or ask questions. Call 1-346-248-7799. When prompted for the Meeting I.D. number, enter 852 6835 6799. If you would like interpretation services at the meeting, please email Zach Jarjoura or call him at 512-460-9579 at least seven business days before the meeting.

Status

We anticipate construction starting this spring. The Austin City Council authorized the construction contract on Feb. 15, 2024. We are planning to mail information about the construction in mid-March and to conduct a public meeting in early April.

Proposed Solution

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

Map showing existing storm drain system and proposed new pipes.

Background

Watershed Protection completed an in-house study of the Oak Knoll Drive area in 2014 and decided that a more comprehensive study of the area was needed. Subsequently, a consultant studied the entire area that drains to the culverts under U.S. Highway 183 near Duval Road. Within this area, the consultant evaluated three problem areas:

  1. Oak Knoll Drive
  2. Arabian Trail
  3. Bell Avenue

For each of the areas, the report identified three potential alternatives to reduce the risk of flooding. We are currently moving forward with the Oak Knoll project because the area is at a higher risk of flooding than the other two areas.

Timeline

Our capital improvement projects take many years from start to finish. The process typically includes the following phases:

  • Preliminary Engineering – when a solution is identified and costs are estimated.
  • Design – when the details are worked out and construction plans drawn up.
  • Bidding and Permitting – when a contractor is hired and all permits are acquired.
  • Construction – when the project is built.

Construction bids have been received and evaluated with construction expected to begin in the spring of 2024. The estimated cost is $9 million with funding coming from the 2018 bond election.

Documents

Questions?

Please reach out to: