White Rock Lake Spillway Repairs And Improvements

Architectural Representation of the Planned Project
(click on image above to see a larger version)

Project Update
Dallas City Council approved the construction of the repairs and improvements to White Rock Spillway in late August 2008.  The construction activities will start the week of October 6, 2008.  The first closure will be to the Winsted Dr parking lot and the north trail along the dam will soon follow.  Please see the graphic images in the link below for more details:

White Rock Spillway Initial Construction - Phase 1 (2.2 MB, Adobe PDF)

San Rafael Detour
The construction phase along the South or Garland Rd side of the spillway is underway. During the week of November 3, 2008, adjustments to Garland Rd will be made to accommodate the re-routed trail and the on-going construction. When driving Southbound on Garland Rd approaching the spillway, three 10 foot thru lanes will be maintained. However, the left hand turning pockets at the intersections of San Rafael Dr and Winsted Dr will be out of service for the entirety of the project.

Project Background
In March 2006, retaining wall failures occurred at the White Rock Lake spillway after a significant rain event.   The City of Dallas took immediate action to stabilize the spillway and surrounding structures by constructing temporary repairs.  In order to insure public safety, the City and its consultant team performed a detailed investigation and analysis of the spillway.  The investigation revealed that many of the spillway structures need to be repaired or replaced.

An aesthetic study was also included in the spillway analysis.  This study presented conceptual improvements to enhance the safety and beauty of park facilities in the immediate spillway vicinity. Concepts developed in the aesthetic plan were presented to a focus group comprised of approximately 15 stakeholders on two separate occasions.  The focus group participants provided beneficial feedback that helped shape the park facility improvement concepts.

After Dallas Water Utilities and the Dallas Park and Recreation Department approved the design concepts, the consultant team began preparation of the construction drawings and specifications.  Those construction documents were completed in January of 2008 and the project is ready to be advertised. 
                                                 
Anticipated Project Schedule

• Open Bids – April 2008
• Begin Construction – Third Quarter, 2008.
• Construction Complete – First Quarter, 2010.

Proposed Repairs and Improvements

Click on image above to see a larger version

• Remove and replace the retaining walls.
• Provide architectural treatment for the reconstructed retaining walls.
• Remove the Garland Road parking lot and expand the Winsted Avenue parking lot.
• Replace the existing concrete slope protection along White Rock Creek.
• Stabilize the drop structure foundation.
• Construct a separated pedestrian and bicycle trail between the pedestrian bridge and the overflow weir for improved trail safety.
• Re-grade along the spillway at Garland Road for a safer slope along trail.
• Construct promenade area with plazas at trail separations and merges.
• Construct three overlook balconies.
• Provide landscaping.
• Relocate the 30-inch wastewater main below the drop structure.

Anticipated Impacts to Trail Users and Local Residents During Construction

Click on image above to see a larger version

• The existing parking lot off of Winsted Drive will be closed
• Garland Road
• Temporary Lane Closures
• Construction Vehicles and Traffic
• Left-turn lane on southbound Garland Rd at Winsted Drive will be closed
• Trail closures will be inevitable, but limited to a maximum 24-hour duration on weekdays.  Expected trail closures lasting more than 60 minutes require two-week prior notification by the Contractor so that users trail users can be notified.  Trail closures for any duration on weekends and holidays will not be allowed unless the Contractor obtains special permission.
• The water level in the lake may be lowered by no more than 30-inches to facilitate the construction.  The Contractor must provide 30-days advanced notice prior to lowering the lake level.