The Midlothian City Council voted 7–0 to authorize the city manager to execute a professional services agreement with AKV Consulting Engineers for design and related services for the South 14th Street roadway extension. The contract value is $422,881 plus a $20,000 owner’s allowance for a total authorization of $442,881.

City staff described the project as the final street-side item from the 2021 bond program and said the gap between existing segments of Fourteenth Street is roughly 650–700 feet; design work is expected to examine a bridge structure required by site conditions. The design contract authorizes detailed engineering and right-of-way work needed to prepare the project for bidding.

Resident Joshua Gallini, who lives on South Fourteenth Street near the proposed bridge corridor, urged the council to pause and reassess the project’s value given sharp increases in construction and materials costs since voters approved the bond. “Moving forward under these conditions would strain the bond budget and divert resources from other essential projects that could better serve a broader portion of our community,” Gallini said. He also raised concerns about safety, higher speeds and noise from an elevated bridge structure.

Staff and several council members said the connection has been on thoroughfare plans for many years and that the extension is intended to relieve traffic on the FM 663 corridor. Staff noted future council approvals will be required for construction bids and awards; tonight’s action authorizes design work only.

Councilman Weaver moved to approve the design agreement; Councilman Rogers seconded. The motion passed 7–0.

Ending: Staff said it will return with design milestones, a timeline and cost estimates for council review before construction bids are issued, allowing the council opportunities to review scope and budget as design progresses.