Central City Flood Control Project Eyes February 2027 Start for North Bypass

The Tarrant Regional Water District board was told that construction on the first portion of the long-delayed Central City/Panther Island federal flood control project is due to start in February 2027. The Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $169 million contract for the first half of the north bypass channel to Chicago-based The Walsh Group last month.

The north bypass will be about 3,900 feet long and 300 feet wide at the bottom, with an earthen levee and concrete floodwalls. The whole project is estimated to take about three years. The Corps expects to request bids for the south channel by summer 2027, contingent on available district funds. The project aims to steer Trinity River floodwaters away from roughly 2,400 acres of downtown Fort Worth and the Historic Northside neighborhood, and the bypass will create a man-made island called Panther Island.

The board also approved an agreement with the city that splits responsibilities for open space, flood infrastructure and other public features. Fort Worth will build city-owned stormwater systems, bridges and streets, while the district will handle Panther Island canals and walkways. A public improvement district adopted by the city council will assess property owners to help fund public infrastructure. Officials also introduced island-specific form-based zoning standards as Austin-based Seco Ventures pitches multifamily housing.

For builders and financiers, the key takeaway is that a firm construction timeline and clearer cost allocation are emerging, though the south channel depends on funding still being secured.