Low water crossing systems from Water and Earth Technologies, Inc. (WET) will be placed at five locations across Buda after approval of a service agreement Oct. 2.
Buda City Engineer John Nett said the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) would cover 50 percent of the cost of the project to purchase equipment and install the five low water crossing signals.
The TWDB’s 50 percent match would only be available if the city completes the project by April 30, 2018, Nett said.
The five locations receiving the new low water crossing signals include Armbruster’s Curve near Garlic Creek, Cole Springs Road below the Onion Creek bridge, the Onion Creek bridge, Bluff Street approaching FM 967 and the Bradfield crossing.
The signals are static and will only register and begin flashing once water reaches a certain level, Nett said. Signals would not be equipped with safety arms to restrict passage through the low water crossings. The signals would be equipped with flashing lights and safety signage.
Council member Eileen Altmiller inquired about the availability of additional low water crossing signals for the east side of Buda, especially flood prone areas such as Goforth street.
Nett said the city could contract with WET for additional signals.
Council member George Haehn encouraged staff “to get the most bang for our buck.” He also said the city must get inventive with the placement of the signals to cover as much area in the city as possible.
Nett said the advantage of the agreement is that it “piggy-backs” off Hays County’s project to install WET low water crossing signals county-wide.
City staff would work with the county to coordinate systems.
NEW LOW WATER CROSSING SIGNAL LOCATIONS:
- Armbruster’s Curve near Garlic Creek
- Cole Springs Road below the Onion Creek bridge
- Onion Creek bridge
- Bluff Street approaching FM 967
- Bradfield crossing
