Trinity River Authority, TX

This project was constructed and is operated on the Trinity River by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for the purpose of controlling the intrusion of saltwater from Trinity Bay during low-river flow conditions. The barrier became operational in 1999 and controls saltwater intrusion by mechanically blocking its upstream movement from Trinity Bay during low flows. Without this barrier, saltwater could travel upstream and cover diversion points of major water distribution systems using Trinity River water.

Prior to completing this project, TRA released water from Lake Livingston during low-flow conditions to flush saltwater downstream away from the diversion points; completion of the project has significantly reduced the need for these releases.

During fiscal year 2010, the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers' Galveston District continued efforts to repair damage suffered during Hurricane Ike, including electrical work designed to prevent similar damages during future storms.