Buffalo Bayou Warning
November 26, 2012
by Harris County Flood Control District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 26, 2012
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kim Jackson, Harris County Flood Control District Communications
713-582-5124
kimberlye.jackson@hcfcd.org
HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT
CAUTIONS BUFFALO BAYOU KAYAKERS, CANOEISTS
Avoid Construction Areas, Respect Warning Signs
Harris County Flood Control District officials are reminding Buffalo Bayou Park visitors – especially canoeists and kayakers – to avoid construction areas along Buffalo Bayou and to respect construction signs and fences.
The Flood Control District recently launched construction on a 7-phase, $5 million project that will restore a 2-mile section of Buffalo Bayou from Sabine Street near Interstate 45 west to Shepherd Drive. As part of the project, the Flood Control District has posted warning signs, instructing all watercraft coming from upstream of the project area to pull out at the Montrose Street Bridge. Please be aware: The Montrose Street Bridge is not a designated put-in/take-out location but is the last viable exit before entering the construction zone.
The warning signs include the words “Danger” or “Warning” and cite “Hazardous Conditions.” As many as 15 signs have been posted at designated put-in locations along the bayou; on the Shepherd, Waugh, Montrose and Rosemont bridges; and both upstream and downstream of the construction zone.
The first phase of the Flood Control District’s Channel Conveyance Restoration at Buffalo Bayou Park project started Aug. 6 on the section of Buffalo Bayou located directly north of the Houston Police Officers Memorial on Memorial Drive west of Sabine. The Flood Control District is realigning this section of the channel to lengthen the bayou’s meander and is performing other work aimed at reducing erosion and stabilizing the bayou’s banks.
As part of the restoration project, construction crews will be working within the channel during some periods, with equipment and conditions that could put the health and safety of kayakers and canoeists at risk. This work is expected to continue for several months, at least through the end of the year, depending on weather and other conditions.
During all construction phases, park visitors, canoeists and kayakers are advised to be alert, to respect the flagmen, construction signs and construction fences, and to abide by temporary trail and bayou closures.
The Channel Conveyance Restoration at Buffalo Bayou Park Project
The Channel Conveyance Restoration at Buffalo Bayou Park project is part of the larger Buffalo Bayou Park – Sabine to Shepherd project, a $55 million public-private partnership led by the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Harris County Flood Control District, and the City of Houston’s Parks and Recreation Department.
As part of the 7-phase project, the Flood Control District will remove sediment that has built up over the years in Buffalo Bayou and repair existing erosion along the channel’s slopes. Bankfull benches will be created on the inside bends of the bayou and graded into gentle slopes that can serve as launch areas for canoes and kayaks. The District will clear invasive vegetation species in order to allow the removal of sediment and to promote a healthier native ecosystem. The District will make an effort to preserve as many existing native trees as possible and will replant the cleared area with native vegetation and trees.
About the Harris County Flood Control District
The Harris County Flood Control District provides flood damage reduction projects that work, with appropriate regard for community and natural values. With more than 1,500 bayous and creeks totaling approximately 2,500 miles in length, the Flood Control District accomplishes its mission by devising flood damage reduction plans, implementing the plans and maintaining the infrastructure. To learn more about the Flood Control District, visit www.hcfcd.org.