Austin's Old Lampasas Dam modernization runs through next year
Heavy construction work to modernize a small dam in northwest Austin continues through April, and city officials are warning nearby residents to brace for noise.
Why it matters: The Old Lampasas Dam, located on a tributary of Bull Creek off Spicewood Springs Road, is in disrepair and at risk of failing in a heavy storm.
What they're saying: "This could cause catastrophic flooding for about 30 homes and two roads downstream of the dam," per a city website about the project.
The project will repair the dam, reduce neighborhood flood risks and improve water quality in Bull Creek and St. Edward's Park.
Flashback: Built in 1984 to offset the impact on Bull Creek of housing development, the Old Lampasas Dam was significantly damaged during Tropical Storm Hermine in 2010.
The dam's downstream slope has eroded — inspectors have found numerous holes — and continues to do so when it rains, per city officials.
State of play: Work on the $14.9 million project — chiefly funded by a 2018 bond — began in October. Already, nearly 300 trees and 1,000 cubic yards of boulders from the site have been transported to John Treviño Park for city playscape use.
Through late February, 4,500 cubic yards of rock material had been transported to city operations sites for use in other city projects.
What's next: Major excavation work — hence the noise — continues through April.
Improving the spillway, modifying the shape and elevation of the dam embankment, installing new flood early warning systems and relocating a wastewater line are on the project's to-do list.
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