The Three Mile Creek Watershed Restoration project involves engineering and construction to stabilize the bank and stream along Twelve Mile Creek and dredging and restoration of Langan Park Lake, both of which drain into Three Mile Creek and Mobile Bay. The project will improve water quality and help to protect the area’s estuarine and marine water resources.
Project progress
The Three Mile Creek Watershed Restoration project is separated into three phases:
Phase 1: Twelve Mile Creek Bank Stabilization University Blvd to Museum Drive (complete)
Phase 2: Twelve Mile Creek Bank Stabilization East Drive to University Blvd (complete)
Phase 3: Langan Lake Dredging. (expected 2025)
Upcoming Design
Phase 3: Langan Lake Dredging
GOALS:
1.Remove sediment
2.Reduce pollutants
3.Restore vegetation, protect wildlife
4.Make attractive for recreation
5.Control invasive species
6.Improve flood control and stormwater impacts
After Dredging
Before Dredging
After Dredging
WORK SITE
The large parking lot will be a staging area.
- The parking area near the lake’s northwest shore will serve as a staging area for the work.
- Dredged silt—enough to cover 145 football fields with one foot of dredged sediment—will be either put into large “dewatering bags” to be processed and drained or laid out to dry before being removed from the site.
- Immediately following the dredging work, this parking lot will be resurfaced and restriped.
Example. Process Photos
Before Channel Naturalization
After Channel Naturalization
Proposed. Naturalized Stream Channel
Project progress
TIMELINE (updated 11-06-2024)
Who is involved?
This project is being implemented by the City of Mobile with the support of a variety of contractors. The team includes planners, scientists, engineers, landscape architects and construction experts.
Project Lead: City of Mobile
Project Manager: Cody Reed P.E., LanganLake@cityofmobile.org
Partners: University of South Alabama, Mobile Bay National Estuary Program, MAWSS, The Village of Spring Hill
Funding: Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, RESTORE Council
Consultants:
Phase 1 and 2: McCrory and Williams
Phase 1 Construction: James H. Adams & Son Construction
Phase 3: Geosyntec Consultants
Why is this project needed?
Increased stream velocity due to stormwater systems have contributed to the degradation of the banks, destabilization of the creek, undercutting of sanitary sewer crossings and sedimentation in the creek and Langan Park Lake.
How were phases 1 & 2 addressed?
In order to reduce downstream sedimentation, the banks and streambed of Twelve Mile Creek from East Drive to Langan Park Lake will be stabilized. Instream structures will be constructed to reduce stream velocity/energy, protect existing sanitary sewer crossings, and increase natural habitat. Dredging of Langan Park Lake will increase the capacity of the lake, support flood control and aid in the apple snail abatement.
Phase 3: Langan Lake Dredging
When is the project expected to start and how long will it take?
Work is expected to begin in early 2025 and take a year to complete. A specific construction schedule will be established once a contractor is hired for the work.
What park facilities will be affected during construction?
The large parking lot will be a staging area. Project planners anticipate that the parking area near the lake’s northwest shore will serve as a staging area for the work. There, dredged silt—enough to cover 145 football fields with one foot of dredged sediment—will be processed in one of two ways: either using large “dewatering bags” or by letting the silt partially air dry before removing it from the site.
Stormwater channel. The northeast side of the park will also be a work site where some dredged material will be relocated. There, the concrete drainage channel between Zeigler Boulevard and Langan Lake will be converted into a more natural stream channel with rocks and landscaping. This aspect of the project will improve public safety, reduce the amount of sediment and pollutants that reach the lake, and improve the appearance of this section of the park. Walking trails in this area will be temporarily re-routed.
Work site protection and path re-routing. At various points, the lake’s shoreline will be fenced to protect visitors, workers, and wildlife. Other work sites including the stormwater channel between Zeigler Boulevard the east side of the lake and will be temporarily closed. Walking trails through affected areas will be temporarily re-routed. The pedestrian bridge over the lake will be affected as well and reopened once safe to do so.
Access to other park facilities. Other Langan Lake facilities including pavilions, playgrounds, disc golf, restrooms, walking paths, and other parking areas will remain open.
Where can I park?
Other parking areas throughout the park will remain open during the project and will be adequate to accommodate visitors.
Will wildlife be harmed during the project?
Langan Lake is home to many birds, fish, and reptiles, both native and nonnative. The lake’s large island serves as a refuge for many animals. That island will not be changed during the project and workers will take great care not to disturb wildlife. Please be respectful and keep a safe distance from wildlife. Never feed or disturb wildlife.
Will there be noise?
Yes, there will be some noise from machinery during work times, which will be 7am to 5pm Monday through Friday.
Where can I learn more?
Contact the City at LanganLake@cityofmobile.org or visit the project page to sign-up for email updates at: https://mapformobile.org/3mcwatershed/
This project was paid for [in part] with federal funding from the Department of the Treasury under the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act). The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Treasury.