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Water tower rising and street resurfacing ahead of schedule; pedestrian bridge design raises ADA and timing questions
Summary
City project manager reported the water tower is halfway built and on schedule for October completion, street resurfacing crews expect to finish Aug. 26, and a TxDOT pedestrian‑bridge design leaves a 6‑inch gap that may require a temporary ramp until a county vehicular bridge replacement a year from now.
Matthew Julian, Navasota project manager, updated the council on several capital improvement projects and described coordination challenges with TxDOT and the county on a pedestrian bridge.
Why it matters: The projects affect traffic access, ADA compliance and near‑term construction impacts for residents. Julian said the water tower is "halfway up in the air" and crews expect to complete that work in October; street resurfacing crews have moved to Dixon Street near the cemetery and expect to start asphalt next week and finish by Aug. 26.
Julian described Rosick Street work alongside the creek as nearing cleanup: engineers expect the creekside work finished by the end of the month. The pedestrian bridge built as part of the TxDOT sidewalk project was designed so the bridge deck would sit roughly six inches above the concrete sidewalk on the south side, creating a vertical gap that TxDOT and the engineers said would meet their standards once additional bridge and street work is completed. TxDOT recommended a temporary wooden or plastic ramp to reduce the trip hazard until the county's planned vehicular bridge replacement — which staff estimated could begin about a year from now — allows a coordinated elevation change and sidewalk reconstruction.
Council members asked how much city input there had been on the pedestrian bridge. Julian said the city "was only included in discussions" and that the project is not primarily the city's; city staff emphasized their position that the finished crossing should be ADA compliant. Council members also asked staff to review any agreements or expectations that described the final product and whether sequencing of work should have ensured a functional crossing sooner. One council member noted that because the city is not funding the bridge work, it has limited leverage over design choices.
Other updates: Julian said BPI crews are taking dust‑control measures (road watering twice daily) until asphalt is placed. The city will coordinate further with TxDOT and the county on timing and options for temporary access improvements.
Next steps: Staff will review project agreements, continue coordination with TxDOT and the county, and report back to council with any clarifications on responsibilities, timelines and potential temporary accommodations for pedestrian access and ADA compliance.
