Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) has scheduled construction work in collaboration with the Parks and Recreation and Transportation and Public Works departments for the grouting of approximately 2,800 feet of an abandoned 36-inch diameter wastewater main adjacent to Garland Road and White Rock Trail between E. Lawther Drive and San Rafael Drive. As you are aware, a sinkhole next to the trail was observed over the abandoned line earlier this year and was immediately backfilled. Although the area continues to be monitored, the grouting of the abandoned pipeline is a long-term measure intended to address the potential for future sinkholes.
Below is the project notification letter that will be hand-delivered to residents and businesses directly impacted by the construction activities two weeks before construction begins. The contractor will mobilize to the area beginning the week of June 15, 2026, and the work is expected to take 2-3 months to complete. The contractor plans to work Monday through Saturday between the hours of 7am to 7pm to expedite completion.
During construction activities, the outside, westbound lane of Garland Road between E. Lawther Drive and White Rock Creek will be closed. This is necessary for the safety of construction workers, material and equipment staging, and access to the construction area. The westbound lane will remain open outside of construction working hours and on Sundays.
In addition, the White Rock Trail between E. Lawther Drive and Winsted Drive will be closed for the duration of construction for the safety of the public and to perform this necessary work. There will not be a continuous loop around the lake during construction; however, significant signage and message boards will be in place as well as detours along the trail at both ends of the closure. E. Lawther Drive between Garland Road and Winfrey Point Way will be closed to vehicular traffic during the construction period to allow for the safe detour of trail users. Staff and the contractor will coordinate directly with the Arboretum for any necessary deliveries that must occur from E. Lawther Drive.
The proposed work, signage, and traffic control has been extensively planned and coordinated between DWU, Parks and Recreation, Transportation and Public Works, and TxDOT. Signs with project and contact information will be located on-site for the benefit of individuals indirectly impacted by the contractor activities.
Please understand that staff explored all possible detours to keep the continuous loop open throughout the project. Unfortunately, however, this was not possible due to the nature of the work.