Design advances for Highland Shores Boulevard reconstruction; council hears timeline, roundabout plans and cost estimate

City staff presented updated design drawings and a funding update for the Highland Shores Boulevard reconstruction project, telling council the work would rebuild failing pavement, improve pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and correct subgrade drainage issues identified in a geotechnical report.

The presentation and discussion

Tristan, the city's presenter on the project, reviewed the corridor, which the city split into three segments for design: a western section with existing overlay, a middle section identified as at or near end of life, and an eastern section that currently requires less urgent repairs. He said the 60–75% plans include a consistent cross‑section through most of the corridor: narrowed vehicle lanes, dedicated bike lanes (minimum 7 ft), new or replaced sidewalks on both sides in many segments and targeted intersection changes. Tristan said the geotechnical study revealed groundwater and subgrade issues that drive the need for drainage and subgrade remediation before paving.

A roundabout at Hillside

Staff proposed a single‑lane roundabout at the Hillside intersection (replacing the existing four‑way stop) to reduce collision severity and improve traffic flow. Tristan said roundabouts typically reduce severe crash types and allow continuous, lower‑speed movement. Council discussed pedestrian crosswalk placement and the need for enhanced lighting or other crosswalk treatments where stop control is removed; staff said crossings will be outside the roundabout footprint and can include enhancements.

Funding and schedule

The consultant’s updated opinion of probable construction cost submitted to Denton County was $9 million in 2021. Staff applied an allowance for inflation and contingencies and presented a working estimate of $10.8 million for the full package. Denton County’s bond program previously included two Highland Shores projects; staff is coordinating with county finance to determine how much of the updated cost county funding would cover and whether interest on bond proceeds can offset escalation. Staff told council they expect to bring the city’s bond authorization package forward in September (bond issuance steps) with potential construction start in late 2025 or early 2026 and total construction duration for the corridor roughly 12–18 months depending on phasing and final scope.

Traffic and construction impacts

Staff emphasized the construction strategy would maintain two travel lanes of traffic at most times by building half the roadway (one side at a time) and flipping traffic to limit overall closures. They noted coordination with other regional projects (including an active TxDOT project at FM 2499 and FM 407) so phasing and timing can reduce overlapping disruptions.

Why this matters

Highland Shores provides neighborhood access, recreation connections and a route used by pedestrians and cyclists. The council asked for additional details about crosswalk locations, aesthetic options for roundabout center islands, and the sidewalk ownership model (staff proposed seeking easements or right‑of‑way to convert HOA‑installed sidewalks to public assets to ensure ADA compliance). Several council members asked staff to include enhanced crossing treatments at locations with high pedestrian use.

Next steps

Staff will finalize the remaining design details and bring the drainage engineering contract forward at the next council meeting. The city’s finance team will include the project in the coming bond authorization package and continue coordinating with Denton County to determine the final split of county bond proceeds and city funds for the project.