Phase 1 of the project, which included the portion of Klein Road between Walnut Avenue and FM 1044, was approved by voters in the 2013 bond program.
In 2018 the city entered into a $7.16 million contract with San Antonio-based construction firm J3 Co. for the reconstruction project.
According to the city, work on the project was moving forward and $1 million in change orders were approved before the final layer of asphalt was applied.
When paving work began, portions of the road work began experiencing failures and the city hired an outside engineer to investigate the issues, according to city officials.
The third-party engineer determined the failures were a result of J3 Co.'s construction work, and the city began working with the company to correct the issues. Discussions between the entities were ongoing for more than a year, according to the city.
City officials announced Oct. 28 that the contractor was not willing to correct the work, and the city will move forward to correct the issues either through J3 Co.’s surety or through another contractor.
The city does not yet have an estimate for the repairs needed.
“This is a critical road project in our community,” said Justin Meadows, New Braunfels mayor pro tem and City Council member for District 2, where the project is located. “I will continue being a strong advocate for completing this project correctly and holding the responsible party accountable.”
Phase 2 of the project was approved by residents in the 2019 bond and covers the portion of Klein Road between FM 725 and Walnut Avenue. That project will remain separate from Phase 1, and the city will utilize a different contractor.
