Eagle Drive! (Update 1)

By popular demand, I bring you a brief update on what's happening on Eagle Drive:

Construction of Eagle Drive is currently underway. There are several things going, some of which are more apparent than others. Up to this point, however, there are a few things that can be noticed right away.

1. Drainage continues to be a driving concern for this project. Not only does the road way increase the amount of impervious surface in the Eagle Drive area, we need to make sure that any changes to the existing drainage scheme does not have a negative effect on those properties which currently utilize the drainageways and capacity along Eagle Drive. It wouldn't do to build a new roadway just to have existing businesses in jeopardy of flooding! As a result, there are significant drainage projects underway. Starting off FM 565, there is a large detention basin being constructed to the south of FM 565 that will handle storm water in the northern area of Eagle Drive (up to FM 565). This is being constructed on some land that the City acquired a couple of years ago specifically for this purpose. This drainage area will lead to Hackberry Gully through a restricted orifice outflow.

Then next area you'll notice is along the road north of the High School. This road has a large drainage area to the north of it that is being expanded to handle additional water. The work on this drainageway is happening right now. Water will flow from Eagle Drive to this drainageway and out to Cotton Bayou.

Further south, Perry Drive is a fairly busy road off Eagle Drive. This road not only provides access to schools, day care facilities, the City's Public Works and Parks departments, and Eagle Stadium, it also has one of the drainageways required to get water out to Cotton Bayou. There is construction going on right now which is replacing the existing ditch on Perry Road with large box culverts. These culverts, made of reinforced concrete, allow for a more shallow fall for the water, while still retaining much of the same capacity of the open ditch.

Down Perry Road and past the Water Treatment Plant for the City - just before you get to the new water tower - on the north side of Perry is a large detention basin. This detention basin is being constructed to help with expected increases in runoff. Water will come in to the basin and be slowly released back into Cotton Bayou through a restricted orifice outfall.

Finally, on the south side of Lakes of Champions Drive is another large drainageway. This is being expanded similar to the road north of the High School to accommodate additional storm water runoff.

2. Once all of the drainage work is completed, the City will begin to close lanes off on Eagle Drive to begin construction on the actual roadway. This should begin in the next few weeks. Stay tuned for more details on that as they become available.

3. Two lanes of traffic will be open at all times. Traffic will be diverted onto two lanes of the existing roadway while half of the new road surface is constructed. Once that is completed, traffic will move onto the new road surface while the rest of the road is finished, including the medians. It's going to be very busy, particularly when school is in session, so stay tuned and please continue to be patient and courteous.

If you're interested in seeing what the finished product will look like and how it may affect your drive home or to your favorite place of business, or your walk to the park (!) please stop by my office here at City Hall.