About the project
The city is rebuilding Custer from Campbell Road to President George Bush Turnpike, a curb-to-curb rebuild that includes replacing water, sewer lines and sidewalks. Construction is divided into four segments, said Nick Kohel, Richardson’s director of engineering and capital projects. The second phase began in December, and the full project is expected to finish in fall 2026.
Nearby, a project on Renner Road west of Custer Parkway is underway as the North Texas Municipal Water District installs a new water line. The upgraded line supplies water pressure to northeast Richardson.
“That area [of Richardson] will be the most impacted for the next six months or so as both projects are underway,” City Manager Don Magner said.
A closer look
Magner said the city conducts internal planning to minimize disruptions and impact on the community. Project managers regularly explore ways to reduce traffic impact while maintaining safety.
In addition to the Custer and Renner projects, work is also underway one block to the east along Canyon Brook Drive, Kohel said. The $4 million project includes pavement, utility and drainage improvements, and is expected to be completed in the summer.
At the April 14 City Council work session, Kohel reported 44 active road projects citywide, with another 12 in planning or design.
“Orange cones are the sign of progress,” Magner said. “One day these orange cones are going to be gone and we’ll have a great improved road.”
Some local businesses, however, are already feeling the impact. Eric Litton, general manager of Wingstop on Renner, estimated sales are down about 10% since construction started. Barriers around the parking lot have confused patrons.
“Everyone thinks we’re closed,” Litton said. “We had to put up flags saying we’re open.”
Litton said the flags went up at the restaurant’s expense and city officials informed him construction would be underway for four to six months.
Nearby Subway franchisee Sandip Patel said his sales are down 40% and his request for rent relief was denied.
“It took me 11 years to build my business,” Patel said. “It will take them six months to tear it down.”
What’s next
A majority of funding, about 55%, for the road projects comes from the 2021 bond program. Additional funding comes from certificates of obligation and various city funds totaling about $155 million.
Construction on Renner should wrap up by the end of 2025, Kohel said.
Magner said the next major road project is likely to be West Shore Drive, which has already started construction south of Arapaho Road.
Magner said West Shore is a complete rebuild of the road and will also have a significant impact on drivers.
Construction on the portion of West Shore from Arapaho to Campbell is expected to begin this summer and will cost about $13 million, according to the city’s website.
