Highland Park is launching a $22 million infrastructure project aimed at reclassifying its dam from a high to low hazard designation by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) — a shift that would indicate no expected loss of life in the event of failure.
In a Highland Park Town Hall meeting on June 18, Director of Engineering Lori Chapin outlined the plan for community members, calling it a technical and legal necessity to reduce the high hazard flood risk potential for loss of human life and significant damage to homes, important public utilities, and main streets.
The effort follows years of phased planning to also enhance emergency response, and was shaped in part by active multi-jurisdictional legal discussions, which initially limited the Town’s ability to share details publicly.
In contrast to the initial town hall meeting on the subject, held Dec. 17, 2024, where many more concerns were raised by community members with limited information, the June 18 forum left less confusion among residents. A few residents posed queries about street closures and access to area homes, while several praised the project during and after the meeting — in both formal town hall discussion and informal hallway conversation.
Project engineers were present to provide implementation timelines and address questions, offering a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of the development plans. Detailed renderings illustrating both the structural and aesthetic aspects of the proposed project were also provided.
The final design, informed by public input and a community working group will reconstruct the existing dam and bridge near Wycliffe Avenue, with construction spanning 20-24 months beginning January 2026.
A phased construction schedule will minimize disruption, said Chapin, with rotating closures of key roads including Wycliffe Avenue, Fitzhugh Avenue, St. Johns Drive, and Turtle Creek Boulevard. Emergency vehicle access will remain fully operational, and traffic control measures will be implemented to maintain safety.
Roughly 72% of project funding will come from federal, state, regional, and neighboring partners. In addition to dam replacement, the project includes utility upgrades benefiting Highland Park, University Park, and Dallas, along with improved drainage, traffic flow, and floodplain reduction, she said.
To keep residents informed, the Town launched a dedicated project website and has appointed an owner’s representative to oversee daily activity, coordinate contractors, and serve as a direct community liaison.
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