The big picture
At a May 6 meeting, Fulshear City Council approved a $49,985 contract with Gannett Fleming Inc. for a vertical alignment study to determine the feasibility of an underpass connected to the east and westbound lanes of FM 1093 for the future extension of Westpark Toll Road.
The alternative concept introduced is based on a “bowtie” roundabout located in Carmel, Indiana, Public Works Director Gary Schatz said. The bowtie method would allow cars to cross Main Street and Fulshear Trace via a roundabout, while toll road traffic passed underneath.
The study, funded by the Fulshear Development Corporation Type A, will determine if the underpass is possible as well as a cost for the project.
Why it matters
The study comes after multiple residents and city officials expressed concern of an overpass further dividing the city and limiting walkability near downtown, Schatz said.
“Community stakeholders have expressed concern with the traditional approach of constructing elevated structures like the one at Spring Green Boulevard,” he said. “Such a structure serves to bisect Fulshear, exacerbate noise impacts, and create visual impacts for current and future development along the corridor.”
What they’re saying
Mayor Don McCoy said the underpass could generate economic development by making it easier to get to future developments in Fulshear.
“I think it’s phenomenal and it’s something we should really consider,” he said. “This would be an iconic thing for our city to identify us [and] set us apart.”
Additionally, council member Christina Baron said there may be alternative ways to incorporate walkability if the underpass is deemed unfeasible.
“I think this is a beautiful concept and I would love to have it,” she said. “I just want to point out that maybe not all hope is lost if we do end up with an overpass similar to Spring Green. We could retrofit something in construction with [the Texas Department of Transportation] or the toll road authority to make sure that we have a lot of pedestrian walkways.”
Looking back
The existing 22-mile tollway begins in the Uptown District near the Galleria and runs west to Fulshear, ending just west of Spring Green Boulevard.
A four mile extension of the toll road is currently underway bringing the new end near Charger Way in Fulshear, Community Impact reported. The extension is set to be completed in late 2026, toll road officials previously said.
Going forward
The study is slated to begin in July and is anticipated to be completed in October, Schatz said.
Following the study, city officials will need to determine if they will be involved in the funding for the project if it is deemed feasible.
