Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) has commenced construction activities aimed at enhancing the Bachman Lake Dam and Spillway. The project, undertaken in collaboration with Dallas Park and Recreation, is focused on ensuring dam safety and compliance with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulations.
As part of the construction efforts, a temporary detour has been implemented along a section of the park trail to prioritize pedestrian safety and maintain accessibility. Trail users are advised to follow designated detour signs:
- The temporary trail route begins on the south side of the main dam, guiding users along the sidewalk next to Denton Drive.
- Trail users will continue north on Denton Drive, turning onto Webb Chapel Extension, where the right lane will be closed to vehicles and open for pedestrians up to Bachman Drive.
- Following Webb Chapel Extension, the temporary trail leads in front of the Bachman Recreation Center until connecting with the existing trail northeast of the playground at Bachman Lake Trail marker 131 (BLT 131).
Throughout the construction process, two DART bus stops on Webb Chapel Extension (between Denton Drive and Bachman Drive) will remain in use and accessible to the public.
The Bachman Dam, originally constructed in 1901, plays a crucial role in mitigating flooding in the area. While minor repairs have sufficed in the past, larger improvements are now essential to minimize flood risk and adhere to TCEQ regulations.
Rehabilitation activities began in early 2022, focusing on dredging the lake to improve water quality and restore aquatic habitat. With dredging completed in April 2023, the removal of 154,441 cubic yards of sediment and 3,125 tons of debris has contributed to the overall enhancement of the lake.
Ongoing improvements at Bachman Lake include the replacement and capacity increase of the existing service spillway, as well as the relocation of the auxiliary spillway to prevent flooding of adjacent properties. Structural enhancements to the dam will ensure compliance with TCEQ dam safety requirements. Some tree removal near the main embankment is necessary to meet state dam safety regulations, with plans to plant large-canopy trees once construction concludes.
During construction, Bachman Lake water levels will be temporarily reduced to facilitate safe working conditions for construction crews. The project also involves widening the trail across the dam embankment, upgrading trail lighting, and making adjustments to meet accessibility requirements. Completion of these improvements is anticipated in the winter of 2025-2026, enhancing the overall experience for park patrons.
The latest information, along with a map of project activities and the trail detour, can be found on the project website at www.bachmanlakedam.com.