Council flagged outfall erosion at Pearland Parkway bridge; staff estimates ~$800,000 repair and worries about scour

Council members pressed staff for a near-term fix after photos shown in the presentation documented erosion at the Pearland Parkway bridge over Clear Creek. Staff said TxDOT’s inspection does not list an immediate threat but the condition is worsening and city action may be warranted to protect bridge pilings and limit further scour.

An engineering staff member said the existing outfall is likely short of the creek and that concentrated flow has created a large scour hole near bridge piers. Staff proposed extending the outfall roughly 80 feet toward Clear Creek, improving slope protection and adding structure to reduce future scour; the immediate repair work was estimated at about $800,000.

Council members debated whether to delay work until a larger Clear Creek federal project is carried out by the Harris County Flood Control District. Staff noted the outfalls are not part of the Clear Creek channel project limits and therefore are likely the city’s responsibility. Deputies said phasing work to shore up pilings first and address outfall extension later is an option and that coordination with Harris County and TxDOT will continue.

No final action was taken; council asked staff to return with additional engineering details and options for phasing and to identify the original engineering records for the bridge.