Granbury council backs proposed aesthetics for Highway 377 breakout project, flags $2.7M estimate

The Granbury City Council on Feb. 4 adopted Resolution No. 25-05 expressing the council's support for selected aesthetic enhancements to the US Highway 377 breakout project and directing staff to continue work with TxDOT and design consultants. The vote was unanimous, 6-0.

City staff and consultant materials presented examples of the proposed enhancements: stamped and colored concrete panels with contrasting trim on retaining walls and bridge piers, decorative columns with city insignia, black decorative light poles and warmer-color LED fixtures, cathedral-style openings in bridge railings where appropriate, pedestrian-focused stamped crosswalks, and a 10-foot multi-use trail on the lake bridge. Staff said the city would be responsible for maintenance of any selected landscaping or decorative features installed as part of the enhancements.

Staff presented a nonbinding cost estimate (Exhibit B) in the packet of roughly $2.7 million for the enhancements as drafted; staff and the consultant emphasized that estimate is conceptual and will change as final design and market conditions are set. City Manager Chris Kaufman and staff described the next steps: incorporate the selected options into TxDOT plans, then the city would be asked to enter an advance funding agreement for the estimated local share; final costs would be reconciled after construction bids are received and the city would pay any difference or be refunded if actual costs are lower.

Council members praised the design direction as a way to present Granbury to visitors and noted features such as dark-sky-friendly fixtures and pedestrian improvements. Council authorized staff to continue with the selected aesthetic package and instruct consultants to incorporate the choices into the final design documents.