The gist
The extension of Colorado Sand Drive—between Copper Mine Drive and Lone Star Ranch Boulevard—included the addition of a roundabout and sidewalks, which are meant to provide a safer connection for parents and students traveling to and from Hendrickson High School.
Connectivity within the city was a need identified by residents in a satisfaction survey, according to Operations Director of Public Works Evan Groeschel.
The new construction also improves connectivity between Kelly Lane and Pflugerville Parkway.
“This roadway gives residents more time back in their day and strengthens the infrastructure that keeps our community moving forward,” Place 1 council member Doug Weiss said.
Diving deeper
This project, which Weiss said has been in discussions for over 10 years, was funded by 2018 voter-approved bonds.
Patin Construction LLC broke ground on Sept. 12, and the project was scheduled to be completed this November.
Construction was completed roughly two months early and a couple of million dollars under budget. Cost savings from the extension may be used to fund further city improvements.
“Depending on how the funding is structured, you’re able to use project savings on other projects,” Groeschel said. “So that is something that we look to do.”
The grand opening
The city hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 3 to mark the project’s completion and bring awareness to the public.
“The ribbon cutting is just celebrating the wins and letting everyone know that things are happening,” Groeschel said.
