The details
The project targets East Virginia Street from SH 5 to Throckmorton Street as well as Throckmorton Street from East Virginia Street to Lamar Street. Improvements that will be implemented as part of the project focus on the roadways, drainage systems, utilities, pedestrian areas and lighting systems.
The project is a result of recommendations from a street and traffic study conducted in preparation for the new city hall, Capital Improvements Program Manager Blake Sills said.
Construction commenced on March 11 and is scheduled for completion in spring 2025. The $13 million project is funded entirely by the city of McKinney through roadway impact fees, general obligation bonds and utility revenue bonds.
Sills said the project has encountered unexpected challenges due to conflicts with franchise utilities, causing delays.
"There have been several conflicts with unidentified franchise utilities which have necessitated redesign of a portion of the city’s project," Sills said in an email.
Diving deeper
To facilitate the construction work, Virginia Street has been closed to through traffic between SH 5 and Throckmorton Street. Detours are in place, guiding traffic to Louisiana Street. The intersection of Virginia Street and Throckmorton Street will also see closures to allow for the installation of a single-lane roundabout.
Detailed detour routes are available on the city's website.
The road closures are expected to decrease construction time by two or more months when compared to a phased approach, Sills said.
"While it has caused some disruption to residents and businesses, the completed improvements will undoubtedly make it all worthwhile," McKinney City Council member Justin Beller said in an email. Beller represents Council District 1, where the project is located.
What they’re saying
Beller said the project will result in better roadways and infrastructure and will improve mobility.
“These improvements will also aid in traffic-calming efforts, redirecting traffic away from residential areas and toward destinations like city hall," he said.
The roadway improvements will also benefit residents in the area through improved sidewalks.
“These things enhance our ability to use and enjoy our neighborhoods without sacrificing safety or quality of life,” Beller said.
Learn more
For updates and more information about the project, visit the city’s website.
