Council authorizes advance‑funding agreement with TxDOT for Encantarra Avenue pedestrian safety project; construction could start in about six months

The City Council approved a resolution authorizing an advance funding agreement (AFA) with the Texas Department of Transportation for the Encantarra Avenue Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project.

Ernie De La Garza, interim assistant city manager and director of public works, told the council the project design work is complete (Friese Nichols was the designer) and that the AFA authorizes the city to fund local pre‑construction activities such as design, environmental clearance, right‑of‑way and utility work while TxDOT completes approvals. Once the AFA is executed and TxDOT completes its federal and state administrative clearances, the city's procurement process for a construction contract can proceed.

Public works estimated an approximate schedule: administrative steps and AFA execution could take one to two months, followed by the city's procurement process; staff estimated about 3–4 months after TxDOT approvals to bring a construction contract award to council and suggested a total of roughly six months before on‑the‑ground work could begin under typical conditions. Staff said the construction scope is primarily sidewalks, ADA ramps, signage and tie‑ins to existing curb, so the construction period is expected to be relatively short compared with larger roadway reconstructions.

Councilwoman Kalyn Paxson asked about community notification and coordination with the nearby school; staff said they would coordinate a construction schedule sensitive to the school year and provide a schedule after TxDOT approvals.

Ending: The council approved the AFA and staff said they will request a construction schedule from TxDOT and coordinate procurement steps to begin work later in the year.