Construction to 'Light up' Louisiana Street set to start in May

Construction of various infrastructure improvements will start in May in an effort to create a more lively and pedestrian-friendly Historic Downtown McKinney, according to city officials.

A series of improvements referred to as “Light Up Louisiana” will take place along Louisiana Street from Church Street to Kentucky Street.

“The improvements will result in an enhanced experience for visitors, including patio lighting, wider sidewalks, new planters and a designated valet section, in addition to addressing aging water and wastewater systems,” McKinney Capital Improvements Manager Nicholas Ataie said in an email.

Construction will be completed in phases. Phase 1 is pegged to start in May and to wrap up this fall in time for the annual McKinney Oktoberfest, according to Ataie.

The second phase will include additional construction along Louisiana between Tennessee Street and McDonald Streets. This phase is planned to begin in January 2021 and to be mostly complete by June 2021.

Throughout the duration of this project, a lane of traffic will remain open at all times for people traveling through downtown on Louisiana Street.

The city is also working closely with businesses to maintain pedestrian access to stores and to McKinney Main Street, which is planning to host special shopping events and provide customer incentives for businesses impacted by construction, he said.

“Historic Downtown McKinney is the heart of McKinney, and the city continues to invest in maintaining an attractive, safe and accessible destination for citizens and visitors,” Ataie said.