Addicks and Barker Construction Project updates: Hike and bike trail closures

By U.S. ArmyAugust 1, 2016

GALVESTON, Texas (July 28, 2016)-- The Addicks and Barker Dam Safety Construction Project is scheduled to begin at the Barker Dam Aug. 1, 2016. Recreational features, including hike and bike trails will be impacted until 2019.

The following temporary closures will occur:

• The parking lot on the west side of State Highway 6 at Briar Forest

• Access to Barker Reservoir over the dam west of State Highway 6 at Briar Forest

• The hike and bike trail along the outside toe of Barker Dam from Buffalo Bayou to the Briar

Forest access

• The top of Barker Dam from Buffalo Bayou to the Briar Forest access

"These closures are necessary to facilitate the relocation of a pipeline in the construction area," said Supervisory Natural Resources Manager Richard Long, USACE Galveston District. "Immediately following the pipeline relocation, the Corps will begin construction on the replacement of the Barker Dam water control structure and related features. The closures are necessary to ensure public safety in and around the construction area for the duration of the construction."

District personnel coordinated the trail closure with Harris County Precinct 3 staff, the operator of the trail, who will be erecting signs at critical locations to notify the public that the trail is closed.

"We ask that the public respect these closures as well as signs and fences restricting access to other locations around the construction area," said Long. "The notifications are there for your safety and the safety of the contractors working in the area."

According to Long, the public can expect additional closures in the vicinity of Buffalo Bayou in the weeks to come. The parking lot located at State Highway 6 and Buffalo Bayou as well as the trail that connects Terry Hershey Park to the parking lot (passes around the North side of Barker Dam and on into George Bush Park) will remain open throughout the construction period with the exception of limited periods of time when necessary to make new trail connections.

For additional information about the Addicks and Barker Dam Safety Program, please visit www.swg.usace.army.mil; email addicksandbarker@usace.army.mil or call 409-766-3004 or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GalvestonDistrict.