Waller Creek Tunnel

WSB partnered with the City of Austin on the Waller Creek Tunnel Program. A major capital improvement initiative designed to reduce flood risk and improve resilience in downtown Austin. The program diverts 100‑year storm event flows from the Waller Creek channel. This program will provide flood protection for 42 buildings and prevent flooding at 12 roadway crossings. By significantly reducing the width of the floodplain, the project also increased the amount of developable land. In turn supporting long‑term redevelopment and community growth in the urban core.

The program includes a series of coordinated CIP projects. Together, they deliver comprehensive flood control and public infrastructure improvements. Serving as both a prime consultant and subconsultant, WSB provided civil, water resources, water/wastewater, and construction management services. These services supported multiple components of the overall program. At the 8th Street Creek Side Inlet Facility, WSB performed hydraulic analysis using WinStorm modeling. WSB also designed the relocation of a 72‑inch storm drain discharging into Waller Creek. Field engineering and construction phase services were provided as part of this effort.

For the Inlet Facility at Waterloo Park, WSB delivered analysis, design, bidding, and construction phase services for utility relocation. This work balanced Waller Creek channel needs with inlet pond protection. Coordination was required to preserve existing trees and integrate utilities with streambank improvements. WSB maintained clearances around constructed wetlands and supported infrastructure reconnections within the creek bank. The team also verified the 100‑year floodplain elevation.

WSB also supported the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail pedestrian improvements by managing and directing an accelerated design effort. We provided bid support and construction phase services for bridge replacement. Coordinating alongside the Watershed Protection Department staff to facilitate creek restoration and mitigate construction impacts. Program‑wide, WSB provided field engineering and construction phase services. This work included development of M/WBE contracting strategies and support for the Subcontractor Participation Enhancement Program and Small Bid Packages. WSB also led development of the Construction Management Plan and provided senior construction management advisory services throughout the program. These efforts included “Red Zone” flood‑readiness planning, assistance with the system’s transition to City ownership, and service as the City’s field engineer. In this role, WSB delivered timely analysis, guidance, and field solutions to construction challenges. Additional services included wastewater utility relocation. WSB supported relocation of a 36‑inch concrete wastewater line around proposed inlet improvements and replacement of a 36‑inch concrete line at the 8th Street inlet.

Completed in 2020, the Waller Creek Tunnel Program delivers lasting flood protection while enhancing public infrastructure, supporting multimodal connectivity, and enabling future redevelopment opportunities. Through multidisciplinary coordination and construction‑phase leadership, WSB helped the City of Austin implement a resilient, long‑term solution that improves safety, functionality, and quality of life for the community.