Benbrook council approves resolution to pursue TxDOT-funded upgrades at Winscott Road railroad crossing

The Benbrook City Council on Sept. 18 authorized a resolution to pursue an advance funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for pavement-marking and signage upgrades at the railroad crossing on Winscott Road.

Public Service Director Bennett Howell told the council TxDOT or its contractors would “furnish, install, and replace the appropriate pavement markings” and provide or replace signs within 100 feet of the crossing; TxDOT would also provide traffic control during the work. Howell said the city would be required to maintain the pavement markings and advance-warning signs after the upgrades are completed and that the advance funding agreement does not include work on the crossing arms or the railroad track.

Councilmember Miss Franklin moved to authorize the advance funding agreement and approve the resolution with TxDOT; Miss Mackey seconded the motion. When asked about a project timeline, Howell said TxDOT did not provide a schedule and that, after the city returns the draft, the agreement would need to go through TxDOT’s legal process and likely occur sometime in the next fiscal year. The motion carried unanimously.

What the resolution authorizes The resolution authorizes staff to return the draft advance funding agreement to TxDOT and authorizes the mayor to sign the final agreement when provided by TxDOT. It does not obligate the city to perform improvements beyond the agreed maintenance responsibilities and does not include upgrades to crossing arms or track infrastructure.

Next steps Staff will return the draft to TxDOT for its legal review and await a final agreement and project schedule from TxDOT for implementation.