Waco outlines $11 million phased plan to repair Texas Central Parkway, avoids $65M reconstruction

City of Waco infrastructure staff on Oct. 7 outlined a phased, preventative-maintenance strategy intended to rehabilitate Texas Central Parkway at an estimated concept cost of roughly $11 million, far less than a previously considered full reconstruction.

Charles Leese, director of infrastructure services, told the council the corridor serves more than 90 businesses and supports what he described as more than 14,000 jobs. He presented a four-segment analysis showing varying pavement conditions and recommended starting with drainage repairs (Phase 1), then railroad coordination (Phase 2) and segmented paving with concrete intersections where heavy truck turning stresses cause accelerated wear (Phase 3).

Leese estimated drainage repairs at about $1 million, railroad coordination at $10,000–$100,000 depending on needs, and rehabilitation work across segments that together total about $10 million for preservation and preventive treatments. By contrast, Leese said prior concrete reconstruction estimates were in the $65 million range.

"The preventative maintenance option will extend the existing lifespan of the street," Leese said, adding that preservation could deliver at least eight to 10 additional years of useful life for rehabilitated segments. He recommended beginning design work immediately and phasing construction so that substantial street work would occur after other projects finish and funding availability becomes clearer, with potential street work in 2027.

Council members pressed staff on responsibilities at rail crossings (Leese said the city is responsible for paving up to the rail bed and must coordinate transitions with the railroad), bid trends and communication plans. Leese noted recent bid results showed some projects coming in below engineer estimates and said materials and labor costs have eased since 2022, which improves feasibility for a phased approach.

The presentation emphasized minimizing business and traffic impacts compared with full reconstruction. Leese said staff has some contract funding available to begin design and recommended moving forward with preparatory work and a phased procurement strategy.

Next steps: staff proposed to advance design and coordinate with Union Pacific and other stakeholders, return with refined cost estimates and a proposed funding plan before any construction contract is presented to council.