The original timeline was October 2021 to early 2023, but a postponement pushed the start date to February 2022 with a summer 2023 completion date. The project is about halfway finished, according to Project Manager Michael Garza.
The portion between Southwestern Boulevard and I-635 has received minor improvements and maintenance over the years but has outlived its expected lifespan, Garza said. South Belt Line Road is a major thoroughfare that carries roughly 40,000-45,000 vehicles per day. Based on data, it carries the most traffic in Coppell, Garza said.
“Its lifespan was about 20 years, originally,” he said. “We’re nearing the 40-year mark. The loads on the roadway have caused it to deteriorate. We needed to improve it and reconstruct it, and now’s the time to do that.”
The project’s scope includes the replacement of pavement with updated pavement, intersection enhancements to improve mobility and safety, signal work, sidewalks, streetlights and landscaping. The $18.6 million project is funded through the 2021 Street Capital Improvement Fund, according to the city.
The project is anticipated to meet its summer deadline, Garza said.
Business effects
Business owners impacted by Coppell’s South Belt Line reconstruction project over the past several months will continue to receive financial assistance as the project enters its final stages.
The major project has negatively impacted many of the businesses located near and along the construction zone, Valentine Premier Construction owner Kristi Valentine said.
Construction has affected the ability for people to find and easily access businesses in the area, Valentine said.
Valentine’s company is located at 598 S. Denton Tap Road. While the office is not in the heart of the construction zone, businesses like hers that are located south of Sandy Lake Road have been affected by traffic changes and alternate routes drivers must take to reach her office and surrounding businesses.
Businesses located directly in the construction zone are suffering, Valentine said.
“My friend, she’s a physical therapist, and she’s over there right in the heart of it. Her business is hard to find in the first place. [People] couldn’t get to her even if they knew where she was,” she said. “The guy that owns that little Shell, ... he told my husband that business was down 25%.”
Assisting small businesses affected by the construction has been a priority, according to Coppell officials. There are programs and incentives available to specifically support those businesses, such as Belt Line Bingo, which encourages patrons to visit a number of businesses located along or near the construction zone for the chance to win a prize.
The council also approved two business assistance grant programs: the Coppell Business Rent/Mortgage Assistance Grant Program and the Coppell Business Revenue Recovery Assistance Grant Program.
The Coppell Business Rent/Mortgage Assistance Grant Program launched in May and is designed to assist small businesses that have endured financial distress due to COVID-19. Eligible businesses can receive a one-time grant up to $10,000. Due to an overwhelming response, council dedicated an additional $1.8 million to the program.
“That was wonderful that they allowed any business to apply for it,” Valentine said. “It helped us meet payroll. I was very, very grateful to receive it.”
The Coppell Business Revenue Recovery Assistance Grant intends to specifically aid businesses negatively impacted by the reconstruction project, Director of Community Development Mindi Hurley said during an Oct. 11 presentation.
The council identified approximately 70 businesses along Denton Tap Road and South Belt Line Road that are located between I-635 and Sandy Lake Road. Applications opened Aug. 25 for businesses located directly in the construction zone and Sept. 8 for surrounding businesses.
The council went on to approve expanding eligibility to businesses located north of Sandy Lake Road. Recipients can receive a one-time grant of $5,000 awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
A total of $2.75 million has been allocated by council for the two grants, which are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, according to the presentation. Applications for both programs will remain open until Jan. 31 or until funds are depleted.
Garza said construction crews are keeping driveways as open as possible to increase accessibility and coordinating with businesses.
While businesses can benefit from city funding, Valentine said people must patronize local businesses as well.
“We really need to support and frequent our local businesses,” she said.
