The project, which has been under construction since March 2022, has seen the completion date continue to move due to conflicts with underground utilities.
The update
Paving and construction is complete along Wilmeth Road between Lake Forest Drive and Hardin Boulevard, as well as at the roundabout at Taylor Burk Drive, and is open to traffic, McKenzie said.
The multilane roundabout at Wilmeth Road and Lake Forest Drive opened on Nov. 21. It is operating as a single lane roundabout while contractors finish work in the center of the intersection.
While work on the roundabout at Wilmeth Road and Hardin Boulevard is still underway, the intersection is operating as a four-way stop. Project officials are working to pave the northeast corner of the intersection, and following pavement completion, the traffic pattern will shift to function as a single lane roundabout while work is completed in the center. The traffic shift is expected to occur by the end of the year, McKenzie said.
About 10 months have been added to the project contract, which is now set to expire in January 2025, she said. The original completion date was set for March 2024, city documents state. The project has seen delays due to various conflicts with underground utilities.
The specifics
Construction includes nearly 8,500 feet of roadway along Wilmeth Road from Lake Forest Drive to Hardin Boulevard, as well as a 700-foot-long bridge, McKenzie said.
The project also includes construction of three multilane roundabouts at the road’s intersections with Lake Forest Drive, Taylor Burk Drive and Hardin Boulevard. The four-lane divided roadway will also see lighting and drainage improvements. Portions of Taylor Burk Drive and Hardin Boulevard to the north of Wilmeth Road will also be upgraded as part of the project.
The project totals roughly $25 million, including construction and design work, and was funded by the city through its street and drainage funds, McKenzie said.
Learn more
For more information on active infrastructure projects in McKinney, visit www.mckinneytexas.org/266/capital-improvement-program.
