McAllen approves $5 million low bid for McAllen lateral channel, adds trail segment and two below‑grade crossings

The McAllen City Commission authorized a construction contract for mechanical lateral improvements to a northeast drainage conveyance system, approving the low bidder and moving forward with a package that includes drainage capacity upgrades, a new trail segment and two below‑grade trail crossings.

Public works staff described the project as primarily a drainage capacity expansion between two regional facilities, with a secondary component to add a trail segment between 10th Street and North Second Street and the city’s first two below‑grade trail crossings at those intersections. Staff said the city received eight bids; the apparent low bidder was Econ Group at roughly $5,000,006.89 (figure read into the record by staff). The item was presented as Item 3a.

Commissioner Cruz asked a technical question about the channel profile; staff said sections currently have trapezoidal profiles and the work expands parts to a larger trapezoidal section with maintenance benches, increasing capacity while facilitating access. The commission approved the contract; the mayor called the vote and the motion carried.

Why it matters: The improvements target chronic drainage constraints in the northeast part of McAllen and tie a recreational trail element into a drainage project, adding connectivity and two below‑grade crossings intended to allow uninterrupted trail access.

Details: Staff said the scope includes both drainage conveyance work and trail amenities; the contract will move to procurement and execution after the vote. The exact construction schedule and anticipated completion date were not specified at the meeting.