Tyler council OKs TxDOT agreement, accepts Brookshire's donation for new signal at Old Jacksonville and Capitol Drive

The City of Tyler City Council on the April council meeting approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a local on-system agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation to construct a traffic signal at FM 2493 (Old Jacksonville Highway) and Capitol Drive.

Traffic engineer Cameron Williams told the council that Brookshire's Grocery Company funded the signal design and will donate permanent steel mast-arm poles the company is buying for FM 2493 widening work. Williams said the estimated construction cost is a little over $300,000 and that the city plans to go out to bid in May, with construction possible in August or September if the schedule holds.

The council requested the agreement so work can proceed within the state right of way. "Brookshire's is in the process of realigning their entry driveway that will line up with Capitol Drive, which also further emphasized the need for a traffic signal at this location," Cameron Williams said.

Why it matters: the signal is intended to improve traffic flow and safety where Old Jacksonville intersects local streets near Loop 323 and Bryce Road. Williams said the signal will initially be installed on a span wire with timber poles to reduce replacement cost when FM 2493 is widened in the future and to allow flexibility in moving signal heads during future construction.

Council procedure and timing: the council moved to approve the resolution and to accept the donation as part of the consent/related actions. Council member Haney moved the motion; Council member Nichols seconded. The motion carried.

Project details: Williams said the city will order equipment and advertise the construction contract; the signal design accommodates future coordinated timing with nearby signals. He told the council the earliest expected widening of FM 2493 is 2028, but added that date remains subject to numerous moving parts.

No votes were recorded in roll-call detail in the transcript; the council used the voice vote procedure and the mayor declared the motion carried.

What's next: staff will finalize the agreement with TxDOT, accept the donated equipment, advertise for bids and return with a construction contract once bidding is complete.