Corps Awarded $169M Panther Island Construction Contract
Walsh Construction Company II LLC will begin building the northern bypass channel in Fort Worth this winter.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Construction
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a $169 million contract to Walsh Construction Company II LLC for the northern bypass channel on Panther Island. The project is designed to improve flood mitigation by connecting sections of the Trinity River's Clear and West forks.
Why it matters
The project represents a significant shift in infrastructure development for Fort Worth, directly impacting land usability and flood risk management. For operators in the area, the transition from design to active construction will introduce long-term site logistics and local traffic changes.
The $169 million contract covers a 3,900-foot-long channel, adding to the three bridges already completed at the site by the Texas Department of Transportation. Construction is slated to conclude by 2029, though the southern bypass remains in the design phase.
The players
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
A federal agency under the Department of Defense responsible for large-scale civil engineering projects, flood control, and infrastructure development.
Walsh Construction Company II LLC
A major construction firm that manages large-scale civil works and infrastructure projects.
Texas Department of Transportation
The state agency responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of public transportation infrastructure including bridges and highways.
The details
The construction process involves clearing land, performing environmental remediation, and relocating essential utility lines. The finished channel will span 300 feet in width at the bottom and integrate features such as earthen levees, concrete floodwalls, pedestrian promenades, and trail connections. These elements work in tandem to facilitate water movement through the Panther Island area during flood events.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: Contract award announcement.
October 22, 2026: Open house at Northside Community Center.
Winter 2026/2027: Anticipated start of construction.
2029: Anticipated completion of construction.
Market Landscape
This award follows years of planning for the Panther Island development project, which aims to reshape local flood management and urban infrastructure. It marks a shift from the design phase toward the substantial physical construction required to connect the Trinity River forks.
Business owners in the Northside area should monitor the October 22 open house for site-specific logistics and project timelines. Factor in potential utility disruptions and long-term traffic pattern changes that will accompany the build-out through 2029.
The takeaway
The transition to active construction on Panther Island suggests a move toward finalized site plans that operators should track to understand future foot traffic and property accessibility. Businesses should review their operational site plans against the project's 2029 completion window.
Further reading
For more updates on regional infrastructure, visit the Construction section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
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