During the 2015 Memorial Day rain event and flooding, the concrete bridge at Country Club Creek sustained major structural damage and collapsed when the concrete footings supporting the bridge sections were undermined by flood waters surging downstream through the channel. Severe erosion occurred all along the drainage channel. The Parks Department has been working closely with the Watershed Protection Department to provide a permanent solution to stabilizing the channel and replacing the bridge crossing of the creek. Work on site began in late September 2022 and is anticipated to be complete in early 2025. Park trails within the construction area are closed. For the public and contractor's safety, we ask that the public not enter or cross the construction area during the project's duration. District 3

Construction is Underway

The below map is posted at various points throughout the park while construction is in progress.

Map showing trail closures, detours and recommended paths during construction. Trail is closed by the bridge with a small detour around Krieg Field. The alternative route around the park via the right of way goes from the Montopolis Youth Sports Complex, through the park to the east to the main entry, down Grove Blvd, across E. Riverside Drive and back up S. Pleasant Valley Rd.

Project Description

The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) has worked closely with the Watershed Protection Department, (WPD), Public Works Department, (PWD), and the Austin Water utility, (AWU) to provide a permanent solution to stabilize the channel embankments, arrest the erosion and replace the lost infrastructure to restore connectivity through the park. While the long-term solution was being developed, smaller interim projects were completed to temporarily protect existing parkland, infrastructure, and private property upstream. These temporary measures included using large boulders for armoring areas severely scoured by erosive forces at two separate locations along the channel. Another small project removed and stored an existing metal-truss pedestrian bridge that was vulnerable to loss along the heavily scoured cut-bank of the channel just east of Krieg Softball Fields #10 and #11.

During construction, public access crossing the creek within the project limits will not be permitted for the safety of the public and the contractor. 

Additional information on the channel stabilization project can be found at the Watershed Protection Department channel stabilization 

Aerial photo of site under construction

Aerial photo of site under construction

 

Project Update

The Project is around 30% complete at the end of January 2024. Installation of the sheet piles to stabilize the Country Club Creek West streambank is complete. Work to install the piers for the bridge has begun. The concrete drop structures, basin spillways and walls have been completed on the east side. The pedestrian bridge is anticipated to be installed near the end of the project in 2024. Note: Construction work will be taking place on Saturdays between 8am and 7 pm as well as Monday through Friday from 7am to 7pm. 

Anticipated Schedule

  • Fall 2017-Spring 2020: Preliminary Design (Complete)
  • Summer 2020: 60% Design Complete (Complete)
  • Fall 2021: 100% Design Complete (Complete)
  • Spring 2022: Issued for Bid (Complete)
  • Summer 2022: Construction Start (August 22, 2022, ongoing)
  • Early 2025: Construction End                       

Please note that as in any construction project, schedules are projected as accurately as possible. All dates are subject to change due to the nature of construction and the weather. 

Community Engagement

5/3/2017         Design Commission Review

6/17/2017       Austin Ridge Riders Meeting

Funding and Resources

The estimated construction cost for the bridge and stabilization project was 25 million dollars funded through a combination of Drainage Utility Funds, General Funds, 2018 Bond Funds, and a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant.

Contact Information

D'Anne Williams, PARD Project Manager, 512-974-9456

Darryl Haba, PW Project Manager, 512-974-2777