Council advances Stagecoach Road reconstruction: low bid $7.72 million awarded to JHL Construction

City engineering staff told the council on April 1 that the low responsible bidder for Stagecoach Reconstruction Phase 1 is JHL Construction at $7,716,902.72. The project is the first phase of a multi-segment plan to fully replace Stagecoach from W.S. Young to FM 195, a reconstruction that was added to the capital improvement plan and funded in the FY22 bond issuance.

What will change: Staff described a thicker pavement section and improved subgrade treatment for the new roadway. The design calls for roughly 18 inches of roadway section compared with 8–10 inches previously; engineers said the work will include subgrade stabilization (lime treatment) to address expansive clay soils and a thicker aggregate base to improve longevity under heavy loads.

Timing, traffic and construction approach: For Phase 1 staff estimated an 8–10 month construction schedule. Traffic will be shifted during construction so two travel lanes remain available; work will be done on one side at a time and then reversed. The contract allows named change-order authorities consistent with state and local law and includes contingency provisions for typical CIP work.

Funding and oversight: The project was placed in the CIP and funded by the FY22 bond program. Staff emphasized that existing underground utilities are known and were incorporated into the design, reducing the risk of unexpected conflicts. Councilmembers pressed for communication with the public during construction and asked for updated contractor mobilization dates and contact points; staff said they will issue a press release and add project tracking information to the city's online CIP resources.

Council recorded no formal vote during the work session presentation; the item later moved through the consent agenda (RS 25044) during the regular session.