Garden Oaks + Shepherd Park Plaza Neighborhood Drainage + Paving Improvements (East, West & Central Phases)

The City of Houston selected PGAL to address severe flooding in the Garden Oaks and Shepherd Park neighborhoods through a three-phase program—Central, West, and East. Across all phases, PGAL’s comprehensive drainage analysis, preliminary engineering reports, and detailed design plans, established cost-effective strategies that delivered near-term relief while setting the framework for long-term resilience.

Client

City of Houston

Construction Delivery

Design-Bid-Build

Project Type

PS&E + Pre-Engineering Study

PGAL Scope

Ditch Design, Drainage Design, Pre-Engineering Study, Public Involvement, Roadway Design, Storm Sewer Design, Utility Coordination, Utility Design

Completion Date

Central 2018, West 2024, East TBD

Project Cost

$64 million (3 Phases)

Project Role

Prime Consultant

When earlier detention pond concepts proved cost-prohibitive, PGAL redesigned the approach to reconstruct the existing trunk lines with large in-line detention boxes – up to 14’x10’, eliminating the need for additional land acquisition. Ultimately, over 4 miles of roadway and storm sewer trunk lines was designed for both neighborhoods, across all three phases. PGAL maintained robust community engagement throughout all phases, ensuring each phase reflected neighborhood priorities and minimized traffic disruption.

Phase 1 – Central

New trunk lines as large as 14’x10’ were designed by PGAL along Alba Road, Chamboard Lane, and Brinkman Street, to significantly improve flood resilience. PGAL also designed the associated pavement widening to meet City of Houston standards. The design was completed in 2016, and construction in 2018.

Phase 2 – West

New trunk lines along Wakefield and Golf Drive were designed by PGAL to improve stormwater management and significantly enhance flood protection. The project incorporated 17,000 feet of new storm lines—as large as 12’x10′ boxes—plus 5,780 feet of new water lines and 6,370 feet of 18-inch sanitary lines. Design was completed in 2020 and construction finished in late 2024.

Phase 3 – East

To improve stormwater conveyance through the eastern portion of the community, PGAL added a major trunk line along Sue Barnett Drive, and utilized portions of the existing trunk along Wakefield Drive for additional storage. PGAL designed 17,250 feet of storm sewer (up to 10’x10′ boxes), 5,490 feet of water line replacements, full street reconstruction, and added a new signalized intersection at Shepherd Drive.