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Council hears update on TxDOT 917 underpass; property acquisitions and funding remain uncertain
Summary
City representatives and local officials attended a TxDOT stakeholder meeting on the 917 underpass; route adjustments, potential property acquisitions and funding timing were discussed, with construction not expected before 2028 absent funding.
City staff updated the Joshua City Council on a Texas Department of Transportation stakeholder meeting about the planned U.S. 917 underpass. Staff said TxDOT had shifted the proposed underpass route to the north side of 14th Street and will take down multiple properties, including an animal shelter site, and that about 13 properties are expected to be acquired.
City staff said TxDOT told stakeholders it lacks full project funding and that construction would not likely be bid before 2028 unless funding is restored. The staff report said initial funding for the project had been reallocated to other projects, and that TxDOT has since added environmental contractors and a public-relations firm to advance planning.
Staff members said the city continues to push for support from regional partners and noted possible assistance from a county bond that could provide seed money for property acquisition or utility relocation. Councilmembers raised concerns about drainage and whether planned stormwater measures would handle recent heavy rains; staff said the current design addresses a 50-year storm event, and several councilmembers said that may not be adequate.
The presentation noted that TxDOT will host a public meeting in January. Staff did not report any finalized funding or property-acquisition schedule at the meeting.
