Leander's City Council voted Nov. 6 to support a feasibility study and submit a preliminary application to the Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Off-system Rail Grade Separation program for a grade-separated crossing at Crystal Falls Parkway and U.S. 183.
City staff explained the resolution authorizes the city to pursue the preliminary application and, if selected, proceed to more detailed feasibility and engineering work. The grant program (first round created by the recent legislative session) has statewide funds and allows awardees to use funds for planning through construction. Staff said preliminary coordination with CapMetro indicated the project could be feasible and that CapMetro has been engaged in initial discussions.
City staff told the council a preliminary planning-level construction estimate is about $61–62 million; the program requires a 10% local match, which would be roughly $6 million if the project moves to construction. Staff described an elevated-rail option at Crystal Falls as preferable in this location because roadway flyovers would require larger footprints and potentially extensive right-of-way acquisitions.
The council asked whether the preliminary application (due Nov. 14) requires finished feasibility work; staff said the preliminary submission focuses on project concept and eligibility and that the feasibility study would be part of the next step after preliminary qualification. Council members expressed support and passed the resolution unanimously.
No binding construction commitments were made at the Nov. 6 meeting; staff will prepare the preliminary application to TxDOT and, if prequalified, proceed with feasibility analysis and eventual full application materials.