Brenadette Faust, the capital projects manager for the city of New Braunfels, said while the new elevated bridge was opened in October, work continues to widen the roadway, install underground storm sewer, and add a 10-foot shared-use path and 6-foot sidewalk from FM 725 to Walnut Avenue.
“Construction is expected to be complete in late summer 2024, weather and unforeseen factors permitting,” Faust said in a statement.
The backstory
New Braunfels City Council approved the joint contract between the city and New Braunfels Utilities with Capital Excavation Co. to complete Phase 2 of the construction during a regular meeting May 8. The project began after the vote in May.
Project scope
Now that the project replaced the low water crossing with a bridge, crews are still in the process of:
- Widening the roadway to a four-lane section
- Adding a 10-foot shared-use path and a 6-foot sidewalk
- Installing underground storm sewer
- Relocating NBU water line
Funding for the project clocks in at $14.46 million and is provided by the city's 2013 and 2019 bonds.
Budget breakdown
The city's largest expense was in capital excavation.
- Capital excavation: $12.89 million
- Construction contingency: 7% or $902,399
- Design engineer construction administration: $278,582
- Construction materials testing: $384,000
