County OKs $457,365 task authorization for Belton Lane drainage study and survey

Chambers County Commissioners Court approved a task authorization on June 9 for Tol & Perkins (presented by John Dean) to survey and analyze drainage along Belton Lane, Ross Sterling Avenue and adjacent areas, at an approximate fee of $457,365.

John Dean said the work will include survey necessary for final design and a drainage study to determine why water ponds on Belton Lane rather than draining across the road toward the West Fork of Double Bayou. He described culverts under the roadway as “shaped like the letter U,” which is causing retention rather than flow, and said the study will help determine whether detention ponds or other measures are feasible.

The study will also review traffic queuing near the nearby school and consider options to reduce afternoon congestion. Staff said the fee appears large because it includes comprehensive survey work so the county will not need to return for additional surveying during final design.

Commissioners discussed the project’s complexity — water lines and pipelines run through the area — and approved the task authorization by motion.

Tol & Perkins will deliver survey data and recommendations intended to produce shovel‑ready design documents for future construction work.