After the flash floods last week, which resulted in billions in damages, work on flood protection projects continues in Dallas.
One of the city’s more significant flood control projects has been underway for several years. The $300 million Mill Creek Drainage Relief Tunnel will ultimately “connect with storm sewers in East Dallas and Uptown,” acting as fast drainage for the Uptown Dallas area. The water will be moved underground into the Trinity River Floodway.
Approximately 1.5 million cubic yards of rock were removed during the excavation of the 5-mile-long tunnel, which lies 120-170 feet below the surface.
The tunnel, which is 30-35 feet in diameter, runs from an intake near Woodall Rodgers Freeway eastward to an outlet at White Rock Creek, with various intake points along the route.
Although the tunnel has been created, the 15-inch thick concrete lining and surface connections still await completion. Dallas Water Utilities Director Terry Lowery said this could take another two years. The entire project is expected to be completed in 2025.
The project was designed to provide 100-year flood protection for over 2,000 commercial and residential properties. That is, the system will provide protection from larger storms that have a 1% chance of occurring in any given year.
The current drainage system is more than 50 years old and only provides flood protection for more minor floods, in the 2-5 year range.
Last week’s flood events were a reminder of the continued need for improved flood control measures. On Sunday, August 21, Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to 225 high water reports. The following Tuesday, Dallas County issued a disaster declaration due to the flooding.
Besides the property damage that resulted from the heavy rains and flooding, a woman in Mesquite died when her car was swept away by swift waters, as reported by The Dallas Express.
The City of Dallas Flood Control Division provides flood protection for the community through the maintenance and operation of the Dallas Floodway Project, which consists of “pump stations, pressure sewers, levees, flood walls, drainage/closure structures, channels, floodway, and miscellaneous facilities.”
In addition, the Flood Control Division maintains the Flooded Roadway Warning System (FRWS), flood gauge sites, retention/detention basins, and Civil Defense sirens. Crews remove blockages on all city-owned creeks/channels (except creeks and channels located in Parks) and storm sewers and respond to inclement weather emergencies such as snow/ice, wind storms, and street flooding.
Recently Governor Greg Abbott also issued a disaster declaration in response to the state-wide flooding, releasing emergency taxpayer funds for relief, as The Dallas Express reported.
