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Study finds both underpass and overpass feasible at Westpark Tollway; underpass would cost roughly $10 million more
Summary
A recently completed Westpark Tollway study reported to Fulshear EDC found both underpass and overpass options feasible for downtown; staff said an underpass would be about $10 million costlier because it must be built to accommodate future rail, while an overpass could defer rail infrastructure.
Staff briefed the EDC board on the completed Westpark Tollway underpass/overpass study and said consultants found both options feasible through downtown Fulshear. The study reported the primary cost delta — roughly $10 million — stems from whether the structure must be built to accommodate a future transit/railway 'transit way.'
According to staff, an underpass option would require preparing right-of-way and subgrade work in a way that accommodates future rail infrastructure and cannot be retrofitted later; an overpass could be constructed without immediate rail provisions and add rail-related infrastructure later, lowering near-term cost. Staff said the study has been forwarded to the Tollway Authority, and the city has proposed cost-offset ideas to the Tollway Authority and the city manager's office while awaiting their response.
Board members discussed potential ways to fund or partially offset the delta, including tolling increments, and asked about coordination with Metro/TxDOT and long-range rail plans. Staff noted the city's wastewater-plant location affects alignment options and that the city has factual points to discuss with the Tollway Authority regarding right-of-way and alignment. Staff will convey any responses from the Tollway Authority or city management back to the board.
