10/12/24 – According to the minutes of latest Houston Public Works progress meeting Tree Lane Bridge repairs over Bens Branch were 57% complete as of 10/1/24 with 80% of the budget consumed. However, the contractor has completed a significant amount of additional work since then.
The million dollar project began in February. At the time, Public works predicted it would be complete by summer 2024. Unfortunately, that didn’t quite work out.
Status of Tree Lane Bridge Repairs
Completed as of mid-October:
Work under half of the bridge
Three of the four wing walls on either side of the Bens Branch, upstream and downstream of the bridge
Placement of rip rap next to the two eastern wing walls
Additional pilings/supports under both east and west sides of the bridge
A new storm-drain outfall on the southeast side
Not yet started:
Upstream work on the northwest wing wall
Soil grading (change order still pending)
Clean up
Reseeding
Still not moved:
Several pipes and cables
It’s unclear at this time whether the utilities are holding up any additional work, or whether they even have plans to move their property.
Downcutting of the stream bed through erosion exposed the pipe and cable, which used to be buried.
Pictures taken 10/12/24
In the progress meeting, the contractor estimated completion of Tree Lane Bridge repairs during the first week in November. The pictures below show the status of the work as of 10/12/24.
Wide shot of work to date.A new, concrete bed has been poured to reduce the rate of downcutting by the stream and protect the piers. Note, however, that it only extends halfway under the bridge so far.SE wing wall, new storm drain outfall and rip rap.SW wing wall and new outfallThe four round pilings are new and will provide additional support for the bridge.Similar supports have been placed on the opposite side.Look closely in picture above.Water pipe and cable still have not been moved.Note new rip rap to the right of the outfall. Rip-rap (the concrete chunks) reduces the velocity of concentrated, flowing water and therefore erosion.NW wing wall is complete, but new concrete bed under north side of bridge has not yet been started.Neither has theNW wing wall been started.
Pictures Taken Earlier
Chris Bloch, a Bear Branch Trail Association board member and local flood fighter, took the three Tree Lane Bridge repair pictures below.
Work in progress on new pilings on 10/3/24. Original bottom of stream bed was approximately three feet higher than current level, as you can see from the concrete still clinging to one of the old pilings.
Luckily, we have been having ideal construction weather since Beryl in early July. The mild drought has kept flow in the channel low, allowing work under the bridge to proceed safely.
Will These Repairs Hold?
Additional upstream development has increased the flow in Bens Branch in recent years. The bridge stood for more than 40 years without problems. However, this is the third set of repairs since 2020.
The current repairs appear more substantial than previous ones. But if the amount of water coming downstream continues to increase, even these repairs won’t last long. Water routinely comes up to the bridge deck.
Photo by Chris Bloch of Tree Lane Bridge during TS Imelda.
One cannot overstate the potential danger. Bear Branch Elementary is next to the bridge. More than 600 students attend the school and dozens of school buses routinely cross over the bridge every school day.
Power of Moving Water
For a history of the project and to see what damage to the bridge looked like before repairs started, see these previous posts:
10/11/24 – The Northpark expansion project has definitely shifted into a higher gear. Today, contractors poured the fourth stretch of concrete along Northpark Drive in four weeks.
Today’s work focused on a new eastbound lane stretching from Russell Palmer Road to approximately 1,000 feet west.
Contractors began at 3 AM on the west and had worked their way east to Russell Palmer by 10 AM when I took the pictures below.
Looking W. Note fresh concrete left of center running virtually to Russell Palmer in foreground.Looking E. Crews worked like a well oiled machine, spreading then smoothing the concrete.They still need to pave additional lanes north (right) of the one they paved today.
The purpose of the expansion project is to accommodate growth and create an all-weather evacuation route for 78,000 Kingwood residents.
Crossover Closures
To pave the additional lanes, Harper Brothers Construction closed all of the Northpark crossovers between Russell Palmer Road and the entrance to Kings Mill. Crossovers east and west of that stretch will remain open. The crossovers within that stretch will remain closed for approximately two months.
Next Steps
The Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority also refreshed its 3-week lookahead schedule yesterday. Next up:
Paving prep for westbound lanes starting at Russell Palmer and going to Northpark Christian Church
Traffic switch from Russell Palmer to Kings Mill
More dirt work from Culver’s to Chick-Fil-A for a westbound access road
Demolition of existing westbound lanes between Kings Mill and railroad.
Full closure of Russell Palmer/Northpark intersection for three days (Friday, Sat., Sun.) beginning October 25th.
Paving prep for:
Southbound lanes of Loop 494 on north side of Northpark
Southbound lanes of Loop 494 on south side of Northpark
Northbound lanes
Extend drainage under 494 and railroad tracks
To avoid construction delays, those who can take alternate routes for the foreseeable future probably should. Things will change on a daily basis.
10/10/24 – Buried within a Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) eight-page status report submitted to Commissioners Court last Tuesday is a potential conflict that could torpedo Taylor Gully conveyance improvements.
Taylor Gully is the lone Kingwood project that HCFCD submitted to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Texas General Land Office for Community Development Block Grant funding. The list of disaster relief and hazard mitigation projects totals $863 million.
Taylor Gully during May 7, 2019 flood
HUD Funds via Texas GLO
The HUD/GLO money focuses on projects stemming from Hurricane Harvey that are designed to mitigate future disasters and flooding.
The money is in two buckets: disaster relief ($322 million) and mitigation ($541 million).
DR vs MIT, Above-the-Line vs Below-
Of the 39 projects listed in the status report, Northeast Harris County has three. But the three actually relate to only one project – Taylor Gully Drainage Improvements in Kingwood.
The main Taylor Gully project falls into the Disaster Mitigation (MIT) category.
Two related stormwater detention basins in Woodridge Village at the head of Taylor Gully fall into the disaster relief (DR) category.
A note on page six of the HCFCD status report explains the relationship between the three items. Basically, Flood Control needs the two detention basins to make the Taylor Gully improvements work within the available space.
Green basin was started under an E&R contract then paused after HUD funding application. A second basin would need to be built from scratch somewhere within the area designated as G-503-06-00.Taylor Gully is blue line labeled G103-80-03.1.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The Taylor Gully project is above the funding line. That means there’s room for it in the budget. But…
Potential Conflict
The two detention basins, which are prerequisites, fall below the funding line. That means there is no budget for them unless another above-the-funding-line project falls out of contention or comes in much lower than expected. (Editorial comment: Good luck with that!)
Taylor Gully Channel Conveyance Improvements (G103-80-03.1-E002), Woodridge Stormwater Detention Basin, Compartment 1 (G503-06-00-E003), and Woodridge Stormwater Detention Basin, Compartment 2 (G503-06-00-E004): Woodridge Stormwater Detention Basin, Compartment 1 (G503-06-00-E003) and Woodridge Stormwater Detention Basin, Compartment 2 (G503-06-00-E004) were originally below the funding line for CDBG-DR. The original engineering analysis indicated that only Woodbridge Basin Compartment 1 was needed for the Taylor Gully mitigation. As the analysis has progressed, it indicates that Compartment 2 (or a portion of it) may also be needed. Due to other projects potentially reducing in budget from the initial estimates, there may be funding available to include the Woodbridge basin in the Taylor Gully project. [Color added for emphasis.] (Bond ID: F-14; Precinct 3).
It’s like saying, “We’ll recommend the highway expansion. But we may not approve the concrete for it.”
Deadlines Looming
To make matters worse, the two detention basins are in the Disaster Relief category. That had a tight deadline – mid 2026. However, the GLO and HUD say that they are granting extensions on a case-by-case basis. HCFCD says they are asking for one. And these two particular projects seem to be in the pipeline under review.
The Taylor Gully conveyance improvements will cost an estimated $25.5 million. The two Woodridge detention basins together will cost an estimated $30.8 million.
The GLO says it is working closely with Harris County Flood Control to process applications and resolve issues as quickly as they arise.
However, unless HUD and the GLO grant a deadline extension, the two basins would need to be completed and all the billing submitted for payment by roughly mid-2026. That would be ambitious, even if they started today.
Worse, if the issue is “available funding,” they’ll need to finalize 14 other projects first to see how much money they have left over before the detention basins can even start.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Taylor-Gully-at-Peak-e1728600738227.jpg?fit=1100%2C327&ssl=13271100adminadmin2024-10-10 18:22:562024-10-11 13:42:23Potential Funding Problem for Taylor Gully Mitigation Project
Tree Lane Bridge Repairs Nearing Completion
10/12/24 – According to the minutes of latest Houston Public Works progress meeting Tree Lane Bridge repairs over Bens Branch were 57% complete as of 10/1/24 with 80% of the budget consumed. However, the contractor has completed a significant amount of additional work since then.
The million dollar project began in February. At the time, Public works predicted it would be complete by summer 2024. Unfortunately, that didn’t quite work out.
Status of Tree Lane Bridge Repairs
Completed as of mid-October:
Not yet started:
Still not moved:
It’s unclear at this time whether the utilities are holding up any additional work, or whether they even have plans to move their property.
Downcutting of the stream bed through erosion exposed the pipe and cable, which used to be buried.
Pictures taken 10/12/24
In the progress meeting, the contractor estimated completion of Tree Lane Bridge repairs during the first week in November. The pictures below show the status of the work as of 10/12/24.
Pictures Taken Earlier
Chris Bloch, a Bear Branch Trail Association board member and local flood fighter, took the three Tree Lane Bridge repair pictures below.
Luckily, we have been having ideal construction weather since Beryl in early July. The mild drought has kept flow in the channel low, allowing work under the bridge to proceed safely.
Will These Repairs Hold?
Additional upstream development has increased the flow in Bens Branch in recent years. The bridge stood for more than 40 years without problems. However, this is the third set of repairs since 2020.
The current repairs appear more substantial than previous ones. But if the amount of water coming downstream continues to increase, even these repairs won’t last long. Water routinely comes up to the bridge deck.
One cannot overstate the potential danger. Bear Branch Elementary is next to the bridge. More than 600 students attend the school and dozens of school buses routinely cross over the bridge every school day.
Power of Moving Water
For a history of the project and to see what damage to the bridge looked like before repairs started, see these previous posts:
8/11/24 Tree Lane Bridge Repairs Finally Starting Again, Hopefully for Last Time
6/28/24 Tree Lane Project Supposed to be Done Today, But Hasn’t Started
4/9/24 City Begins Tree Lane Bridge Repairs
2/21/24 CoH Public Works Kicks Off Tree Lane Bridge Rehab Project
11/28/23 Tree Lane Bridge over Bens Branch Still Standing
6/12/23 Flood Damage To Tree Lane Bridge Over Ben’s Branch Accelerates
1/29/23 Tree Lane Bridge over Ben’s Branch Damaged…Again
3/21/22 How Insufficiently Mitigated Upstream Development Imposes Taxation without Representation on Downstream Residents
3/31/20 City Completes Repairs on Tree Lane Bridge, But Concerns Remain
2/29/20 Tree Lane Bridge over Ben’s Branch: Before and After Repairs
12/2/19 Tree Lane Bridge vs. Power of Moving Water
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/12/2024
2601 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Northpark Expansion Shifting into Higher Gear
10/11/24 – The Northpark expansion project has definitely shifted into a higher gear. Today, contractors poured the fourth stretch of concrete along Northpark Drive in four weeks.
Today’s work focused on a new eastbound lane stretching from Russell Palmer Road to approximately 1,000 feet west.
Contractors began at 3 AM on the west and had worked their way east to Russell Palmer by 10 AM when I took the pictures below.
The purpose of the expansion project is to accommodate growth and create an all-weather evacuation route for 78,000 Kingwood residents.
Crossover Closures
To pave the additional lanes, Harper Brothers Construction closed all of the Northpark crossovers between Russell Palmer Road and the entrance to Kings Mill. Crossovers east and west of that stretch will remain open. The crossovers within that stretch will remain closed for approximately two months.
Next Steps
The Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority also refreshed its 3-week lookahead schedule yesterday. Next up:
To avoid construction delays, those who can take alternate routes for the foreseeable future probably should. Things will change on a daily basis.
For More Information
Consult the Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority project pages. Or see these ReduceFlooding posts:
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/11/24
2600 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Potential Funding Problem for Taylor Gully Mitigation Project
10/10/24 – Buried within a Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) eight-page status report submitted to Commissioners Court last Tuesday is a potential conflict that could torpedo Taylor Gully conveyance improvements.
Taylor Gully is the lone Kingwood project that HCFCD submitted to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Texas General Land Office for Community Development Block Grant funding. The list of disaster relief and hazard mitigation projects totals $863 million.
HUD Funds via Texas GLO
The HUD/GLO money focuses on projects stemming from Hurricane Harvey that are designed to mitigate future disasters and flooding.
The money is in two buckets: disaster relief ($322 million) and mitigation ($541 million).
DR vs MIT, Above-the-Line vs Below-
Of the 39 projects listed in the status report, Northeast Harris County has three. But the three actually relate to only one project – Taylor Gully Drainage Improvements in Kingwood.
A note on page six of the HCFCD status report explains the relationship between the three items. Basically, Flood Control needs the two detention basins to make the Taylor Gully improvements work within the available space.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The Taylor Gully project is above the funding line. That means there’s room for it in the budget. But…
Potential Conflict
The two detention basins, which are prerequisites, fall below the funding line. That means there is no budget for them unless another above-the-funding-line project falls out of contention or comes in much lower than expected. (Editorial comment: Good luck with that!)
See the note on page six reprinted below.
Taylor Gully Channel Conveyance Improvements (G103-80-03.1-E002), Woodridge Stormwater Detention Basin, Compartment 1 (G503-06-00-E003), and Woodridge Stormwater Detention Basin, Compartment 2 (G503-06-00-E004): Woodridge Stormwater Detention Basin, Compartment 1 (G503-06-00-E003) and Woodridge Stormwater Detention Basin, Compartment 2 (G503-06-00-E004) were originally below the funding line for CDBG-DR. The original engineering analysis indicated that only Woodbridge Basin Compartment 1 was needed for the Taylor Gully mitigation. As the analysis has progressed, it indicates that Compartment 2 (or a portion of it) may also be needed. Due to other projects potentially reducing in budget from the initial estimates, there may be funding available to include the Woodbridge basin in the Taylor Gully project. [Color added for emphasis.] (Bond ID: F-14; Precinct 3).
Deadlines Looming
To make matters worse, the two detention basins are in the Disaster Relief category. That had a tight deadline – mid 2026. However, the GLO and HUD say that they are granting extensions on a case-by-case basis. HCFCD says they are asking for one. And these two particular projects seem to be in the pipeline under review.
The Taylor Gully conveyance improvements will cost an estimated $25.5 million. The two Woodridge detention basins together will cost an estimated $30.8 million.
The GLO says it is working closely with Harris County Flood Control to process applications and resolve issues as quickly as they arise.
However, unless HUD and the GLO grant a deadline extension, the two basins would need to be completed and all the billing submitted for payment by roughly mid-2026. That would be ambitious, even if they started today.
Worse, if the issue is “available funding,” they’ll need to finalize 14 other projects first to see how much money they have left over before the detention basins can even start.
Government Work is Never Easy
One thing I have learned since Harvey is that nothing associated with flood mitigation moves quickly. In that regard, Harris County Commissioners approved the first draft of the DR project list on 6/6/23.
In fairness, a large part of the HCFCD update deals with reasons for grant-submission and approval delays. They include:
Let’s hope they can resolve this one quickly. The fate of hundreds of homes and thousands of residents hangs in the balance.
Make sure you ask about this at the HCFCD tax meeting on October 16 before you vote.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/10/24
2599 Days since Hurricane Harvey