Three major road reconstruction projects in the city of Buda have seen progress in the design phase. As final designs move closer to completion, the projected costs of each project become clearer.
According to current project projections, the city does not have the budget to fund the construction of all three projects in their current stage, said Capital Improvements Program Manager Austin Messerli.
The gist
The Austin Street reconstruction project, the Old Black Colony Road reconstruction project and the West Goforth Road reconstruction project were all approved in the 2021 Buda Bond Project.
Proposition A of the bond, funding transportation projects, has a $9 million deficit between the approved funding and project costs, according to agenda documents.
All three projects are projected to cost more than their allocated funding, according to agenda documents:
- Austin Street reconstruction project: projected $1.9 million deficit
- Old Black Colony Road reconstruction project: projected $5.9 million deficit
- West Goforth Road reconstruction project: projected $7.1 million deficit
City staff is evaluating solutions to the funding deficit, including completing the full construction of the Austin Street reconstruction project and the Old Black Colony Road reconstruction project and utilizing a phased construction approach for the West Goforth Road reconstruction project, Messerli said.
“We're just still looking conceptually at dollars and cents and project costs,” Messerli said.
Upcoming projects
Austin Street reconstruction
Project: City crews will incorporate on-street parking, sidewalks and stormwater treatment elements in the roadway’s reconstruction from FM 2770 to San Antonio Street.
Update: The design team has provided the city with a 60% completed schematic design.
- Timeline: 2021-TBD
- Cost: $8.6 million
- Funding source: 2021 Buda bond
Old Black Colony Road renovation
Project: The reconstruction will include widening the existing two-lane road, adding sidewalks and accommodations for cyclists and improving roadway drainage from FM 1626 to Cole Springs Road. The project intends to accommodate bike, pedestrian and vehicle mobility while reducing impacts on the environment.
Update: A preliminary design was presented to the City Council. Environmental work for the project will begin June 15, resulting in potential roadway closures and the establishment of surrounding detours.
- Timeline: 2021-TBD
- Cost: $29.7 million
- Funding source: 2021 Buda bond
West Goforth Road reconstruction
Project: Crews will complete a full-depth asphalt pavement reconstruction from S. Loop 4 to I-35, widen the existing roadway, improve drainage and add sidewalks and cycling accommodations.
Update: The design team has provided the city with a 60% completed schematic design.
- Timeline: 2021-TBD
- Cost: $27.9 million
- Funding source: 2021 Buda bond
