TxDOT engineers presented 60% design plans on Jan. 7 for intersection and roadway work along Mockingbird Lane and State Highway 142 (West San Antonio Street), describing a project that will add turn lanes, refresh pavement and restripe a stretch between Orchard Loop and Church Street.

Sean Kelly, Lockhart public works director, said the city entered an advance funding agreement with TxDOT on Feb. 6, 2024 that authorized up to $1,000,000 in city contributions for construction. "This is one of the worst intersections in town that we're seeing," Kelly said during the presentation, explaining the city sought TxDOT partnership to relieve bottlenecks and improve pedestrian access.

Nut graf: The plan covers repaving and restriping for about 0.15 miles on either side of Mockingbird/SH 142, new left‑turn storage and updated signal and pedestrian facilities. TxDOT staff said the project will use largely existing pavement for restriping, add a center turn lane in a separate segment of SH 142, and build a new 5‑foot sidewalk on the northwest side with a small gap that may require an easement or future connection.

TxDOT engineers described specific features: new left‑turn lanes at Mockingbird with about 400–450 feet of storage per turn lane, a center turn lane beginning about 200 feet east of Medina Street, and signal equipment updates that will reuse existing poles where possible. The design calls for sidewalks on the northwest side only; staff noted a 120‑foot gap where the sidewalk cannot be placed in right‑of‑way without an easement from a privately held parcel. TxDOT said some on‑street parking will be removed where the three‑lane section is installed, and the city should coordinate with affected property owners.

On schedule, TxDOT asked for city comments by Jan. 14 on the 60% plans, intends to deliver 100% plans in April and planned a route to bid the combined work later in the year (TxDOT staff said bids would be solicited in August, with contract execution and a start date dependent on the successful bidder's schedule). TxDOT estimated a total project cost "in the neighborhood of $2,000,000 and some change," with the city responsible for no more than the $1,000,000 cap in the AFA. Construction duration was described only approximately; speakers mentioned a multi‑month window and said timing could be affected by utilities, weather and contractor availability.

Council members asked whether the restriping would eliminate parking; TxDOT confirmed parking will be removed in the three‑lane section. Staff also discussed coordination with a planned subdivision widening to the west and replacement or repair of affected residential driveways and mailboxes within construction limits. TxDOT staff said they will seek to reuse signal equipment where feasible and to minimize driveway impacts.

Ending: TxDOT and city staff will finalize comments and return with a 100% plan set; construction was described as likely to begin after contract award, with possible start dates dependent on contractor scheduling and utility coordination.