The city expects to start working on various infrastructure improvements in downtown McKinney next summer.

These improvements include construction to enhance Louisiana, Tennessee and Johnson streets by making the streets more pedestrian-friendly and updating outdated infrastructure.

According to concept plans presented during a public meeting Aug. 13, construction work on Louisiana will span from Church to Kentucky streets and Tennessee to SH 5. Planned work includes street paving, improved lighting, utilities, pedestrian walkability, landscaping and more.

Construction on Louisiana is expected to begin in summer 2020. Crews will stop working between November and December 2020, but will then resume in January 2021. The roadway is expected to be completed and reopen to the public in October 2021.

Work on Louisiana will be funded by $5 million, coming from previous voter-issued bonds for street-improvement projects.

At the meeting, the city also presented various improvements being considered for future construction on Tennessee and Johnson. 

According to the concept plans, the city is proposing to partially close off traffic on Tennessee between Davis and Louisiana streets and design a pedestrian plaza or gathering area, which could be a potential space for entertainment options. 

Additional concept plans showed proposed improvements to Johnson between Davis and Virginia streets, which would also be reconstructed as a pedestrian corridor with overhead lighting and potential outdoor seating. In addition, the north portion of road would be closed off from vehicular traffic and used as a pedestrian area. A cost estimate and source of funding have not been determined at this point.

The goal is to improve and promote walkability in the downtown area, replace old infrastructure, and provide more gathering and entertainment options for pedestrians, said Nick Ataie, capital improvements manager for the city’s development services.

Before design plans are finalized, the city will be looking to the public for input.

Residents and business owners are encouraged to submit feedback to the city in writing before Sept. 6 to be considered, Ataie said.

Concept plans are available for viewing on the city's website, and public input can be submitted online here until Aug. 30.

Editor's note: This article has been updated to include concept plans presented at an Aug. 13 public meeting and an updated link to an online town hall.