6/28/24 – According to Houston Public Works’ website, the Tree Lane Bridge Rehabilitation Project next to Bear Branch Elementary was to have been completed today. But construction hasn’t even started yet.
Completion Scheduled for End of June
The latest update, posted just last Thursday, shows “end of June 2024” as the promised completion date.
Screen capture from 4PM June 28, 2024, last workday of the month.
But as of the end of the day today, equipment hadn’t moved in approximately two months, with the exception of moving an excavator farther back from the creek when erosion crept dangerously close to it in the May floods.
Erosion from May floods threatened the parking spot for this construction equipment.
Originally, Houston Public Works said construction would take 6 months. Now we have just 5 weeks before the start of the next school year.
Hurricane Approaching
Meanwhile, a tropical depression has formed in the Atlantic. And the National Hurricane Center predicts it will enter the Gulf as a hurricane approximately a week from now.
On the current trajectory, Houston would be in the cone.
There’s still a large degree of uncertainty associated with any storm this far out. But this underscores the fact that the Tree Lane Bridge project is far behind schedule and we are likely entering a very active hurricane season.
Development this far east in late June is unusual, according to the NHC. In fact, they say, “There have only been a few storms in history that have formed over the central or eastern tropical Atlantic this early in the year.” Some models are already predicting this could become a major hurricane (Cat 3 or 4).
The lack of Tree Lane Bridge Rehabilitation progress will expose the bridge to even more erosion if this storm strikes the Houston area. As you can see, the bridge can’t afford much more.
Erosion under bridge
Reasons for Delays
On June 13, Darryl Burrell, EIT, Graduate Engineer, Capital Projects for Houston Public Works, wrote, “There have been multiple instances of utility relocations.”
He added, “Some have already been completed. Our personnel are coordinating with multiple teams and entities. We are all working to get this issue alleviated in a timely manner.”
Photo 6/13/24. That 12″ black pipe is reportedly a city water line that has been exposed since at least April 2022.
I saw a cable company working at the location on 6/17/24, but nothing since then. That was almost two weeks ago. That swooping line in the foreground remains there today.
Editorial Comment: Enforce Deadlines
I’m not sure who is to blame, but would observe this.
As the City looks for ways to trim its budget, it should look at enforcing deadlines.
I wonder how many times contractors have had to reschedule crews around other contractors that didn’t do their jobs on time. That has to increase costs.
And one last issue. Construction delays exposed this area to even greater erosion. That may force revision of the engineering plan, construction drawings, bids, timetables and more.
Why do it once when you can do it twice? Sorry for the cynicism.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/28/24
2495 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240613-DJI_20240613110051_0166_D.jpg?fit=1100%2C619&ssl=16191100adminadmin2024-06-28 18:04:512024-06-28 18:12:24Tree Lane Project Supposed to be Done Today, But Hasn’t Started
6/27/24 5PM –The National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicted 2024 would become one of the most active hurricane seasons ever in the tropics. We’re not out of June yet. And we’ve already had one tropical storm. Now, another potential system is about to head from the Caribbean into the Gulf. And a third area of concern is barreling westward toward the Caribbean. See below.
Chances of Development
According to Jeff Lindner, Harris County Meteorologist, “Conditions may become slightly better for some organization of (the yellow area) once over the southern Gulf of Mexico.”
The red area shows signs of better organization today. NHC currently gives it an 80% chance of development in the next 7 days, and 60% in the next two.
Potential Tracks for Red Area
More important, some models suggest it could turn into a full blown major hurricane (Cat 3 or Cat 4). And one of the models shows the potential track shooting the gap between Cuba and the Yucatan into the central Gulf.
Intensity Could Reach Cat 4, Unusual This Early in Season
We’re still way too far out to predict with certainty what will happen, but it’s instructive to note some climatology. In the 30 years between 1991 and 2020, NHC says that the average date for the first hurricane was August 11. And the first major hurricane usually doesn’t happen until September 1.
That said, see what the models are forecasting 4 to 5 days out.
Current Satellite View of Two Systems
Models are great. But I’m also a great believer in eyeballs. Here’s what the two systems look like at 4:30 PM CDT from a satellite. Note the developing storms south of Florida and North of the eastern coast of South America.
Better to Be Prepared
As usual, I end such posts with a caution to pray for the best and prepare for the worst. I’ve posted a variety of links on preparedness from trusted sources on my Links Page. Just scroll down.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/27/24 at 5PM
2494 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Tropics-6.27.24.png?fit=1354%2C1000&ssl=110001354adminadmin2024-06-27 17:18:392024-06-27 18:57:56Potential Trouble in the Tropics
After four years, not one of the recommendations from the San Jacinto River Basin Master Drainage Plan is in design yet.
In the summer of 2020, Harris County Flood Control District, the City of Houston, Montgomery County, and the San Jacinto River Authority released a massive study on how to address flooding in the upper San Jacinto River Basin. But four years later, not one of the 16 main recommendations has been constructed. In fact, none are even in design yet, according to one source I talked to for this post.
Cost, political willpower, eminent-domain issues, and jurisdictional boundaries seem to have torpedoed any progress.
However, Matt Barrett, PE, the SJRA’s Flood Management Division Director, says, “No construction has started on any of the major project recommendations (detention and channelization projects).”
Another source familiar with the plan complained that none are even in design yet. That source also cited unfavorable cost benefit ratios.
Expected Benefits of Plan
If built, these projects could make a real difference for people throughout Montgomery County and northern Harris County.
The following table shows how much the water surface elevation could be reduced in a 100-year storm at a number of locations if the recommendations were implemented.
The 2020 study estimated that building all these projects could cost up to $3.3 billion. They would cost more today. We’ve had 20% inflation since then.
The total in today’s dollars could easily approach $4 billion. That’s a pretty major ask for taxpayers.
But the 2018 Harris County Flood Bond (approved before the study) included only $18.75 million dollars for “Funding for Future Partnership Projects Based on Results of Study – for Right-of-Way Acquisition, Design, and Construction of General Drainage Improvements in San Jacinto River Watershed Study.” See Project C-50.
Political Willpower
Funding for the gap will not come from any of the study sponsors.
Harris County Commissioners Court has prioritized “equity” projects in low-to-moderate income areas inside the Beltway. Some have even declared they will never vote for spending money outside of Harris County.
Most of the projects are outside the City of Houston and its extra-territorial jurisdiction.
The San Jacinto River Authority doesn’t have an income stream to fund the improvements.
And most Montgomery County Commissioners don’t see flooding as their most pressing problem.
Understandably, no one has seized the reins for these projects. Even if physically feasible, they don’t seem politically feasible at this point.
Eminent Domain and Jurisdictional Boundaries
Worse, 10 of the 16 projects are large stormwater detention areas that would likely require invoking eminent domain. That’s always politically dicey for politicians. Especially when the major benefits would accrue to downstream residents outside of their precincts – and even outside of their own county.
Better Lake Conroe Management Not Enough
As this multi-million study has been consigned to dusty bookshelves, flood-weary residents have increasingly pinned their hopes on better management of the Lake Conroe dam.
Seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe has morphed into “Active Storm Management,” a compromise between upstream and downstream interests on the San Jacinto West Fork. Instead of lowering the lake for set amounts for set periods of time each year, dam operators are now trying to lower it temporarily on the fly in advance of approaching storms. But that presents its own set of problems.
It also doesn’t affect water funneling in from other watersheds. The Lake Conroe watershed comprises only 13% of the Lake Houston watershed. That means rain falling over 87% of the area upstream from Lake Houston has nothing to slow it down.
Lake Houston Gates Not Enough Either
Farther downstream, the City of Houston has been designing new gates for the Lake Houston Dam. They will help lower floods in the Lake Houston Area somewhat. But they won’t help people upstream. And they have run into one problem after another.
For instance, the City could not find any contractors willing to bid on the recommended alternative – building crest gates on the 70-year old spillway. It was just too risky. So, the City is now redesigning the entire project.
So what can we do to refocus attention and gain momentum behind the projects in the San Jacinto River Basin Master Drainage Plan?
In my opinion, we need to see the state take over execution of the plan. There are just too many conflicting interests at the local level.
We need to make one person/entity responsible for executing the plan.
Bob Rehak
The logical choice would be someone at the Texas Water Development Board. It’s assembling a state flood plan that includes the San Jacinto River Basin.
So how do we make that happen? We need to engage our state leaders.
Charles Cunningham, Texas State Representative, District 127, 512-463-0520
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Project-Location-Map.jpg?fit=1238%2C1400&ssl=114001238adminadmin2024-06-26 18:15:072024-06-26 18:15:08After 4 Years, No Recommendations from River Basin Master Drainage Plan in Design Yet
Tree Lane Project Supposed to be Done Today, But Hasn’t Started
6/28/24 – According to Houston Public Works’ website, the Tree Lane Bridge Rehabilitation Project next to Bear Branch Elementary was to have been completed today. But construction hasn’t even started yet.
Completion Scheduled for End of June
The latest update, posted just last Thursday, shows “end of June 2024” as the promised completion date.
But as of the end of the day today, equipment hadn’t moved in approximately two months, with the exception of moving an excavator farther back from the creek when erosion crept dangerously close to it in the May floods.
Originally, Houston Public Works said construction would take 6 months. Now we have just 5 weeks before the start of the next school year.
Hurricane Approaching
Meanwhile, a tropical depression has formed in the Atlantic. And the National Hurricane Center predicts it will enter the Gulf as a hurricane approximately a week from now.
There’s still a large degree of uncertainty associated with any storm this far out. But this underscores the fact that the Tree Lane Bridge project is far behind schedule and we are likely entering a very active hurricane season.
Development this far east in late June is unusual, according to the NHC. In fact, they say, “There have only been a few storms in history that have formed over the central or eastern tropical Atlantic this early in the year.” Some models are already predicting this could become a major hurricane (Cat 3 or 4).
The lack of Tree Lane Bridge Rehabilitation progress will expose the bridge to even more erosion if this storm strikes the Houston area. As you can see, the bridge can’t afford much more.
Reasons for Delays
On June 13, Darryl Burrell, EIT, Graduate Engineer, Capital Projects for Houston Public Works, wrote, “There have been multiple instances of utility relocations.”
He added, “Some have already been completed. Our personnel are coordinating with multiple teams and entities. We are all working to get this issue alleviated in a timely manner.”
I saw a cable company working at the location on 6/17/24, but nothing since then. That was almost two weeks ago. That swooping line in the foreground remains there today.
Editorial Comment: Enforce Deadlines
I’m not sure who is to blame, but would observe this.
As the City looks for ways to trim its budget, it should look at enforcing deadlines.
I wonder how many times contractors have had to reschedule crews around other contractors that didn’t do their jobs on time. That has to increase costs.
And one last issue. Construction delays exposed this area to even greater erosion. That may force revision of the engineering plan, construction drawings, bids, timetables and more.
Why do it once when you can do it twice? Sorry for the cynicism.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/28/24
2495 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Potential Trouble in the Tropics
6/27/24 5PM –The National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicted 2024 would become one of the most active hurricane seasons ever in the tropics. We’re not out of June yet. And we’ve already had one tropical storm. Now, another potential system is about to head from the Caribbean into the Gulf. And a third area of concern is barreling westward toward the Caribbean. See below.
Chances of Development
According to Jeff Lindner, Harris County Meteorologist, “Conditions may become slightly better for some organization of (the yellow area) once over the southern Gulf of Mexico.”
The red area shows signs of better organization today. NHC currently gives it an 80% chance of development in the next 7 days, and 60% in the next two.
Potential Tracks for Red Area
More important, some models suggest it could turn into a full blown major hurricane (Cat 3 or Cat 4). And one of the models shows the potential track shooting the gap between Cuba and the Yucatan into the central Gulf.
Intensity Could Reach Cat 4, Unusual This Early in Season
We’re still way too far out to predict with certainty what will happen, but it’s instructive to note some climatology. In the 30 years between 1991 and 2020, NHC says that the average date for the first hurricane was August 11. And the first major hurricane usually doesn’t happen until September 1.
That said, see what the models are forecasting 4 to 5 days out.
Current Satellite View of Two Systems
Models are great. But I’m also a great believer in eyeballs. Here’s what the two systems look like at 4:30 PM CDT from a satellite. Note the developing storms south of Florida and North of the eastern coast of South America.
Better to Be Prepared
As usual, I end such posts with a caution to pray for the best and prepare for the worst. I’ve posted a variety of links on preparedness from trusted sources on my Links Page. Just scroll down.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/27/24 at 5PM
2494 Days since Hurricane Harvey
After 4 Years, No Recommendations from River Basin Master Drainage Plan in Design Yet
After four years, not one of the recommendations from the San Jacinto River Basin Master Drainage Plan is in design yet.
In the summer of 2020, Harris County Flood Control District, the City of Houston, Montgomery County, and the San Jacinto River Authority released a massive study on how to address flooding in the upper San Jacinto River Basin. But four years later, not one of the 16 main recommendations has been constructed. In fact, none are even in design yet, according to one source I talked to for this post.
Cost, political willpower, eminent-domain issues, and jurisdictional boundaries seem to have torpedoed any progress.
Major Recommendations in Plan
The 3,600 page study contained 16 main recommendations.
Here’s where they are.
However, Matt Barrett, PE, the SJRA’s Flood Management Division Director, says, “No construction has started on any of the major project recommendations (detention and channelization projects).”
Another source familiar with the plan complained that none are even in design yet. That source also cited unfavorable cost benefit ratios.
Expected Benefits of Plan
If built, these projects could make a real difference for people throughout Montgomery County and northern Harris County.
The following table shows how much the water surface elevation could be reduced in a 100-year storm at a number of locations if the recommendations were implemented.
Cost Issue
The 2020 study estimated that building all these projects could cost up to $3.3 billion. They would cost more today. We’ve had 20% inflation since then.
The total in today’s dollars could easily approach $4 billion. That’s a pretty major ask for taxpayers.
But the 2018 Harris County Flood Bond (approved before the study) included only $18.75 million dollars for “Funding for Future Partnership Projects Based on Results of Study – for Right-of-Way Acquisition, Design, and Construction of General Drainage Improvements in San Jacinto River Watershed Study.” See Project C-50.
Political Willpower
Funding for the gap will not come from any of the study sponsors.
Harris County Commissioners Court has prioritized “equity” projects in low-to-moderate income areas inside the Beltway. Some have even declared they will never vote for spending money outside of Harris County.
Most of the projects are outside the City of Houston and its extra-territorial jurisdiction.
The San Jacinto River Authority doesn’t have an income stream to fund the improvements.
And most Montgomery County Commissioners don’t see flooding as their most pressing problem.
Understandably, no one has seized the reins for these projects. Even if physically feasible, they don’t seem politically feasible at this point.
Eminent Domain and Jurisdictional Boundaries
Worse, 10 of the 16 projects are large stormwater detention areas that would likely require invoking eminent domain. That’s always politically dicey for politicians. Especially when the major benefits would accrue to downstream residents outside of their precincts – and even outside of their own county.
Better Lake Conroe Management Not Enough
As this multi-million study has been consigned to dusty bookshelves, flood-weary residents have increasingly pinned their hopes on better management of the Lake Conroe dam.
Seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe has morphed into “Active Storm Management,” a compromise between upstream and downstream interests on the San Jacinto West Fork. Instead of lowering the lake for set amounts for set periods of time each year, dam operators are now trying to lower it temporarily on the fly in advance of approaching storms. But that presents its own set of problems.
It also doesn’t affect water funneling in from other watersheds. The Lake Conroe watershed comprises only 13% of the Lake Houston watershed. That means rain falling over 87% of the area upstream from Lake Houston has nothing to slow it down.
Lake Houston Gates Not Enough Either
Farther downstream, the City of Houston has been designing new gates for the Lake Houston Dam. They will help lower floods in the Lake Houston Area somewhat. But they won’t help people upstream. And they have run into one problem after another.
For instance, the City could not find any contractors willing to bid on the recommended alternative – building crest gates on the 70-year old spillway. It was just too risky. So, the City is now redesigning the entire project.
Just three years ago, the project was scheduled for completion this summer. But the timetable has been delayed at least another four years.
Time to Reboot the Master Drainage Plan: But How?
So what can we do to refocus attention and gain momentum behind the projects in the San Jacinto River Basin Master Drainage Plan?
In my opinion, we need to see the state take over execution of the plan. There are just too many conflicting interests at the local level.
The logical choice would be someone at the Texas Water Development Board. It’s assembling a state flood plan that includes the San Jacinto River Basin.
So how do we make that happen? We need to engage our state leaders.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/26/24
2493 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.