Commissioners approve millions in additional funding for Outer Loop and Loop 288 projects

DENTON, Texas — Denton County Commissioners Court on Tuesday authorized additional funding for engineering and consulting contracts tied to two major transportation projects: the Outer Loop from I-35 to the Dallas North Tollway and the Loop 288 East/US 380 connector.

The court approved an increase in the professional-services agreement with LJA Engineering Inc. for the Outer Loop project. The action authorized a total contract amount of $28,564,658 and increased the previously appropriated funds by $15,064,658; funding will come from the county's Outer Loop project account. The motion to approve was moved and seconded on the record and the court voted in favor.

The court also approved additional funds for the Loop 288 East / US 380 connector project. The agreement with Westwood Professional Services, Inc. (presented with an alternative consultant name in the agenda text) was authorized at a total cost of $13,200,000 with an additional $2,200,000 approved to increase existing appropriations. The court recorded the vote as passing unanimously.

Commissioners and staff discussed project funding sources and noted the additions were to keep design and engineering services on schedule for right-of-way acquisition and future construction phases. Judge and commissioners emphasized the county's intent to maintain progress on major county mobility projects and directed staff to continue coordination with partner agencies and contractors.

The votes were recorded on the consent agenda; commissioners thanked staff for their work on procurement and contract administration.