McAllen updates residents on North Main–Jay Avenue stormwater work; commission approves related consent item

City staff updated the McAllen City Commission on Jan. 28 about the North Main–Jay Avenue stormwater project and the commission approved the related consent item (item 2c) after commissioners pressed staff on contractor practices and community impacts.

The project includes roughly 440 linear feet of stormwater pipe beginning near 17th and J and running east to 11th and J, with pipe sizes stepping from 60 inches down to 24 inches. Staff said existing road widths in the construction area measure about 32 feet back‑to‑back; trench envelopes will be roughly 12–15 feet while crews install a section of 16‑inch pipe (staff described this as "a 5 foot pipe," referring to diameter). The work requires extended staging and will impact much of the street cross section while crews place and compact backfill.

City staff said crews and contractors have encountered challenges securing staging areas in the densely developed neighborhood and must coordinate with USPS and trash collection. Staff reported they have been providing flyers to residents and plan weekly or biweekly updates for interested citizens.

On scheduling, staff kept a March 30 target completion date but said change orders and rain days have not been reconciled and will likely add contract days; staff noted earlier conflicts with existing raw water lines that required additional work. Commissioners raised concerns about jobsite cleanliness and safety, including a reported incident of children playing near heavy equipment; they directed staff to address equipment staging, fencing and weekly contractor oversight.

After the presentation, the commission approved the consent agenda amendment to move forward on item 2c; the motion carried.