Case Study: Dallas Flood Control Project Halted by Pipe Delivery Disruptions (2022)

Project Overview
• Name: Dallas Trinity River Floodway Expansion
• Location: Dallas, Texas
• Year: 2022
• Project Size: $410 million
• Scope: Construction of large-diameter stormwater pipes and channel improvements
• Lead Agencies/Contractors: Dallas Flood Control District /

Category of the Issue, Problem, or Challenge
• Supply Chain Disruption
• Stormwater Pipe Materials

Summary of the Issue, Problem, or Challenge
Delays in delivery of large-diameter reinforced concrete and HDPE pipes caused construction halts due to manufacturing bottlenecks and raw material cost surges.

Root Cause Analysis

• Increased demand for stormwater infrastructure nationwide.
• Raw material price spikes and availability issues (resins for HDPE, cement for concrete pipes).
• Limited pipe manufacturing capacity and supplier concentration.
• Inadequate advance procurement and supplier communication.

Impacts Due to the Issue, Problem, or Challenge
• 3-month halt in pipe installation work.
• Cost increases from rush orders and alternative supplier sourcing (~$1.9 million).
• Schedule ripple effects impacting channel grading and restoration.

Corrective Actions Taken

1. Developed relationships with secondary pipe manufacturers.
2. Instituted earlier procurement and supplier engagement protocols.
3. Monitored raw material market trends and adjusted budgets accordingly.

Lessons Learned

• Pipe supply is critical and vulnerable to raw material market fluctuations.
• Early, flexible procurement reduces risk of stoppages.
• Supplier communication and market monitoring are key for planning.

Audit & Prevention: Project Control Questions to Ask on Future Projects to Help Control the Situation

• Are pipe supply contracts secured with lead times that reflect manufacturing capacity?
• Is supplier concentration risk assessed and mitigated?
• Are raw material trends integrated into procurement planning?