Lockhart council backs $3.3M sidewalks grant application after TxDOT sizing raises cost

The Lockhart City Council voted 7-0 to approve a resolution supporting the city’s application to the Texas Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program for sidewalk and pedestrian improvements.

David Fowler, Planning Director, told the council the project list covers 26 segments totaling roughly 14,000 linear feet and would add ADA ramps, curb work, hydrant relocations and other pedestrian improvements. Fowler said the preliminary application was filed in February and the detailed application was due June 20. He said TxDOT required new sidewalks to be 5 feet wide — larger than the city standard of 4 feet — and that using TxDOT bid-item pricing raised the project cost to $3,312,000, which carries a required 20% local match estimated at $662,500.

Fowler said staff believes TxDOT’s cost assumptions are conservative and that competitive bidding could lower final costs. "TxDOT did inform staff that any new sidewalks built through the grant funding would have to be 5 feet wide, which exceeds the 4 foot, city standards for local streets," Fowler said. He added the application scope can be adjusted before final submission if council prefers a reduced project list to manage cost exposure.

Council members discussed priority routes, including long stretches near San Jacinto and connections to the existing network on State Park Road and Colorado Street. The presentation noted some locations are cost-prohibitive because of railroad crossings or drainage issues and that TxDOT pricing rules must be used for the application.

Fowler said TxDOT will review applications over the summer and the city could expect notification in September or October. He said staff may revise the project scope later if inflation or other factors change cost expectations.

The council passed Resolution 2025-20, authorizing submission of the application and support for the project; the motion carried 7-0.