Candace BarnetteThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is accepting proposals from contractors on an over $400M river bypass project, as part of its $1.17 billion Central City federal flood control initiative in Fort Worth, Texas. The project, originally slated to begin in 2025, has been pushed back to spring 2026 due to labor disputes. Contract proposals will be accepted through early fall 2025, according to officials.
The bypass project, funded by the USACE, will start a 1.5-mile bypass channel to redirect the Trinity River. The bypass will be separated into two parts—north and south—which will create an island dubbed “Panther Island” in the middle.
While proposals will address the bypass project, the full Central City flood control plan calls for Panther Island to be rezoned as a commercial mixed-use space. The Tarrant Regional Water District, which oversees the project, has stated that Panther Island development will be privately funded. The flood control measures will be completed with or without the development of Panther Island, according to project officials.
While the scale of the project has remained unchanged since 2008, efforts to fund and complete the project have been in the works for years, facing setbacks from different federal administrations. Major milestones completed so far include signature bridges over the planned bypass and land acquisition for the bypass itself.
The next phase of major construction would begin with the north bypass channel in spring 2026, followed by the south bypass channel. As work begins on the south channel, crews will also launch a sweeping restoration of Gateway Park, featuring habitat improvements and new tree plantings.
Subsequent phases will focus on floodwater storage infrastructure, beginning with Gateway Park, followed by installations at Rockwood Park and University Drive.
After the north channel is completed, construction will begin on the planned isolation gates and pump station. USACE is planning three isolation gates, which will divert floodwaters through the bypass channels instead of the Trinity River. The pump station will move excess water during major flood events when the gates are closed.
The last phase of the project will construct a dam at Samuels Avenue. Completion is anticipated in 2032, bringing the entire project to a close.
Several project partners will oversee different aspects of the work. While the Tarrant Regional Water District is in charge of the project, it will also handle land acquisition, relocation, demolition and environmental cleanup.
The city of Fort Worth will be responsible for local street modifications and utility improvements and relocations. These include sewer, water and storm drainage systems.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has overseen the development and construction of three bridges over the planned channels, while USACE will handle the planned floodwater storage areas, bypass channels, three isolation gates, dam and pump station.
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