Fort Worth to Start Central City Flood Project in 2027
Construction on the north bypass channel begins this February to better protect the city from future flood events.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Construction
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The Tarrant Regional Water District will begin construction on the Central City flood control project in February 2027. This initiative aims to protect 2,400 acres of land from potential floodwaters.
Why it matters
The project is designed to replace or improve a levee system built in the 1950s that can no longer sustain floodwaters of significant magnitude. It will specifically steer water away from downtown Fort Worth and the Historic Northside neighborhood.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $169 million contract to The Walsh Group for the 3,900-foot-long and 300-foot-wide north bypass channel. This effort is part of a larger $1.6 billion project spanning three years of development.
The players
Tarrant Regional Water District
This government entity manages water supply, flood control, and environmental restoration projects across the region.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
This federal agency is responsible for engineering and construction projects related to public infrastructure and flood risk management.
The Walsh Group
This construction firm was selected to serve as the contractor for the north bypass channel project.
The details
The project includes building an earthen levee and concrete floodwalls to contain water within the bypass channel. The water district and the city have signed an agreement to define responsibilities for ongoing infrastructure maintenance.
Timeline
Construction on the north bypass channel begins in February 2027.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded the north channel contract in September 2026.
City council adopted a public improvement district in summer 2026.
A public open house occurred at the Northside Community Center on October 24, 2026.
Market Landscape
This project modernizes the infrastructure originally established by the 1950s Trinity levee system to meet current safety standards. It represents a shift from older flood control methods to a comprehensive bypass design that reserves 15% of land area for open space.
Property owners will see infrastructure upgrades funded through a public improvement district assessment. These improvements provide enhanced flood protection for the downtown area and the Historic Northside neighborhood.
The takeaway
Large-scale infrastructure projects require years of planning, inter-agency agreements, and specific funding mechanisms like improvement districts. Residents should stay informed about construction timelines to anticipate local traffic disruptions during the three-year development period.
What happens next
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expects to request bids for the south channel segment of the project in summer 2027.
Further reading
For more information on local development, see Construction.
Live Poll
Do you believe large-scale flood control projects are worth the long-term investment for your community?
