Temple — The City Council on Oct. 16 approved a $7,757,757 construction contract with TTG Utilities Inc. of Gatesville for Veterans Memorial Boulevard phase 1 (Spur 290).

Staff said the project includes roadway widening to provide additional turn lanes, a median, a 10‑foot sidewalk, landscaping to match Temple Medical and Educational District standards, drainage improvements, and a traffic-signal update at Avenue U to meet MUTCD standards. Bids opened Sept. 16 and TTG was the only bidder. The bid amount was below the engineer’s opinion of probable cost of $8.2 million; staff and the engineer recommended award to TTG.

Council approved the contract 4–0. Staff said the project is long‑planned and will include storm-sewer upgrades and other right-of-way work; design- and construction-phasing details will be managed by Public Works and the project engineer.