The city of Hutto has provided residents a preview of the upcoming Live Oak Street reconstruction project anticipated to begin in the fall. Senior City Engineer Sam Ray delivered an informal presentation to several residents Aug. 28, provided insights into the project's funding, detailing and projected construction schedule.

The November 2018 bond allocated $16.95 million toward Old Town Hutto streets and drainage improvements. The Live Oak Street reconstruction, the first streets and drainage project from the bond to begin construction, will cost approximately $3 million and will be built primarily by city crews.

“We’re taking this one to the next level," city spokesperson Donna Simmons said. "This one is very important to us, and we want to make sure we do it right.”

The Live Oak project will run from West Street to Park Street and will include the addition of a 12-foot lane in each direction, as well as 8 feet designated for parallel parking and four-to-five-foot wide sidewalks. The project will also construct an underground storm sewer, drainage improvements, curb and gutter, and an asphalt overlay, Ray confirmed.

Construction is expected to kick off with water line installation in September, Ray said, which will last four to five months. The city will also work on gas line relocation during the fall, with a projected five- to six-month time window.

Street demolition and construction will begin during the wintertime and spring 2020, with a 12- to 15-month construction window, Ray said. The estimated completion of the project is spring 2021.

“We are widening the footprint of the road," Ray said. “Our plan is to impact the residents on that street and in that area as little as possible and to provide a great product for everybody.”

City staff will host additional information sessions Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. and Sept. 4 at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. All sessions will be held at Hutto City Hall, located at 500 W. Live Oak St.