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City engineering updates schedules, costs for FM 1472 realignment and Carlton Road grade separation
Summary
City of Laredo engineering staff and consultants updated the MPO on the FM 1472 (Las Cruces/Fletcher Lane realignment) project and the Carlton Road (railroad) grade‑separation/overpass, including schedules, estimated costs, environmental clearance and right‑of‑way/utility issues.
City of Laredo engineering staff and consultants gave detailed status updates on two roadway projects serving east Laredo during the MPO meeting on March 25.
Las Cruces (FM 1472 / Fletcher Lane) realignment Consultant Edward Ochoa with KCI Technologies described the Las Cruces Drive realignment project. The project will realign Las Cruces Drive to intersect Mines Road at Fletcher Lane, creating a signalized four‑way intersection. Project elements include about 900 feet of new roadway, sidewalks, accessibility ramps, grading and drainage work, asphalt paving, street lighting and traffic signal upgrades. The design includes replacement of the existing minor stream crossing with box culverts and some channel realignment; the team reported environmental clearance has been obtained.
Schedule and cost: KCI said the city and consultant submitted signed plans, specifications and estimates to the city and TxDOT on Feb. 27 and were on track for a May 2025 letting. The project schedule assumes 2–3 months for bidding and award after letting, a construction start in summer or early fall 2025 and a roughly eight‑month construction duration, putting anticipated completion in spring 2026. The consultant estimated construction cost at about $5,000,000. KCI said most utility relocations are expected to be complete before construction starts; one City of Laredo water line of about 100 linear feet will be relocated during construction.
Carlton Road grade separation / overpass (Union Pacific crossing) Roberto Gallegos, consultant for the Carlton Road overpass project, provided an update on design and permitting. The project includes a bridge/overpass of roughly 850 linear feet, plus new and relocated utilities. Consultants reported TxDOT’s bridge division requested revisions to comply with updated bridge standards; that review and revision cycle has delayed the project. The team expects a revised letting in fiscal year 2027 (a tentative September 2026 letting was discussed), contingent on completion of TxDOT review and renewal of the construction agreement process.
Schedule and cost: Consultants reported the advanced funding agreement was dated February 2012, and the project’s construction estimate shown in the AFA was $16.2 million for the overpass and $2.6 million for utilities; staff and consultants noted inflation and changing standards mean cost estimates may change. Consultants said submission of Union Pacific crossing permit materials is pending and the construction agreement process with TxDOT could take about 12 months once reinitiated.
Right‑of‑way and permits: Staff said one property acquisition remains pending with the city’s real estate division (a Broadway‑area parcel). Consultants noted Union Pacific-related requirements and that late‑crossing permits have expiration dates, so permit timing must align with revised schedule.
Why it matters: Both projects aim to improve mobility and safety for east‑west and north‑south movements near I‑35 and US‑59 and to reduce congestion where heavy truck traffic crosses local streets. The committee asked staff about funding strategies; staff said the city has applied for a Seeding Infrastructure Program (SIP) loan and will amend application wording at an upcoming council meeting.
Attribution: Edward Ochoa (KCI Technologies) presented the Las Cruces realignment update; Roberto Gallegos (Arboretum/consultant) and City of Laredo engineering staff presented the Carlton Road grade‑separation update.
