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Soon you’ll start seeing construction crews at the Poor Farm Ditch site. This first phase, called mobilization, includes moving in equipment, preparing the site, and other setup work ahead of the actual construction.
The two access points for the project site are at Bellaire Boulevard and University Boulevard. Crews will mainly enter and exit near Bellaire Boulevard, on the south end of the project during the initial stages of the project. However, crews may also access the project site via University Boulevard at various times during the project. Gated ramps will keep the site secure throughout construction.
About this Project
This project will widen and deepen Poor Farm Ditch between Bellaire Boulevard and University Boulevard so it can carry more stormwater and help reduce flood risk in the area.
Work will happen in 500-foot sections at a time. The contractor will also put up a 6-foot chain-link fence with a privacy screen along both sides of the channel to separate the construction site from neighboring properties.
A primary entry point will be added at Bellaire Boulevard. Construction will begin near Bellaire Boulevard and move upstream toward University Boulevard. The University Boulevard entrance will be used as little as possible to limit traffic impacts, but residents may occasionally see survey crews or tree-clearing crews using that access point.
Funding
- The 2018 Bond Program is expected to provide approximately $5.7 million.
- The cities of West University Place and Southside Place each contributed $150,000.
- State leaders — Rep. Ann Johnson, former Sen. John Whitmire, and Sen. Joan Huffman — secured $16.9 million from the Texas Legislature.
- Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher secured approximately $9.9 million in federal Community Project Funding.
- The total construction contract was awarded for $23.5 million.
Project Location
The project is located along Poor Farm Ditch between Bellaire Boulevard and University Boulevard.
Anticipated Schedule
- Construction Start: Q3 2026
- Construction Completion: Q2 2030
The Flood Control District thanks our federal, state, and local partners for helping make flood risk reduction projects like this possible across the Brays Bayou watershed.
The Flood Control District is continuing to make historic progress in flood risk reduction projects and maintenance efforts thanks to voter support and dedicated staff. Stay informed by following us on social media.