Part of Chisholm Trail Road to undergo complete reconstruction

The Round Rock city council approved on March 24 a $389,055 contract for the complete reconstruction of a portion of Chisholm Trail Road because it does not have any underground drainage.

Round Rock Transportation Director Gary Hudder said his team discovered this total absence of underground drainage while carrying out maintenance of arterial roads.

"(We) quickly realized that it is a significant project to do this correctly and make the repairs that are necessary," Hudder said.

Friese & Nichols is the firm awarded the engineering contract for this project, between the north end of the Chisholm Trail Road bridge at Brushy Creek and Sam Bass Road. The firm will provide preparation of plans, specifications and estimates, as well as related supporting documents for the roadway's reconstruction.

The full rehabilitation of Chisholm Trail Road will include a new urban roadway section, drainage improvements and landscaping. Under the PS&E services contracted, Friese and Nichols will carry out preliminary engineering services for development of plans; surveying; mapping; assistance with public involvement and metropolitan planning organizations; environmental clearance; preliminary drainage design; traffic control layout; estimates for construction costs and cross sections for street improvements.

The area this section of Chisholm Trail Road runs through is known as Old Town Round Rock, one of the city's historic centers and the original site of settlement in the area.

The council approved the contract at a 7-0 vote.