Friendswood City Council gives update on capital improvement projects

Multiple capital improvement projects have started to make progress in the city of Friendswood, according to city officials.

Director of Engineering Jildardo Arias presented the updates at the May 2 City Council meeting. The first update given was in regard to the reconstruction of Fire Station No. 2. The station, located at 2605 W. Parkwood Drive, officially started construction this month.

The preliminary floor plan for the new fire station includes three apparatus bays, a gate that leads to parking and training equipment behind the station, dorms, a kitchen, a shower and a laundry room, Community Impact Newspaper previously reported. According to the presentation, the building pad has been constructed with underground utilities to follow. While construction is underway, the fire station is operating out of property owned by The Harbor Church.

“We’re looking at a completion date of July 2023,” Arias said.

The Texas Department of Transportation-funded project that consists of upgrading sidewalks, ramps, crosswalks and traffic signals is also under construction and is anticipated to finish in the next few months. The $3 million project is occurring along South Friendswood Drive between FM 2351 and Whispering Pines Avenue. The presentation noted the traffic signal electrical work is underway.

The city also recently received the traffic signs that will go on the traffic signals as part of the initiative to rebrand the downtown Friendswood area.

The engineering department is expected to bring a drainage update to the council at the next meeting.