Explained
Securing the right of way was needed for construction to begin on the 1-mile portion of the project, running from Weiss Lane to Avalar Avenue.
The strip of land runs up against a neighborhood owned by Sorento Community Inc., and the community's bylaws state the city would need to obtain a 67% vote from homeowners to purchase part of the development's common area.
Due to the amount of rental homes with out-of-state owners, the Sorento Community recommended the city initiate eminent domain proceedings as the most effective method to securing the right of way needed, according to city documents.
Some context
In a joint venture by both the city and Travis County, the full scope of the project includes widening the existing two-lane road to a four-lane urban divided parkway with trails and bike lanes from Colorado Sand Drive to Cameron Road. There will also be new alignments and added streetlights to improve connectivity and safety, according to city documents.
“Improving areas east of SH 130 will be critical for improving the city’s roadway network,” city documents state. “Currently, Pflugerville Parkway is one of the three main connectors giving the growing residential areas east of SH 130 access to the city. Improving East Pflugerville Parkway will reduce congestion and enhance safety.”
An interlocal agreement was signed between Pflugerville and Travis County in August 2019, at which time City Council members also approved a contract for engineering and design services with LJA Engineering for just under $1 million.
The design phase was wrapped up in 2020. The city then contracted with 7 Arrows Land Staff, LLC in March 2023 for right-of-way services.
The project is being funded by 2018 certificate of obligation bonds as well as 2018 voter-approved bonds.
