Katy Development Authority authorized to use up to $9.71M in Metro funds for Katy Hockley widening

KATY, Texas — The Katy City Council on June 23 approved a resolution authorizing the Katy Development Authority (KDA) to use Metro funds for the Katy Hockley Road widening project between Morton Road and Clay Road, authorizing up to $9,711,472, which includes a 5% contingency on the bid award of $9,249,021.

Council and staff discussed the project schedule and traffic infrastructure. A council member asked whether a traffic signal at Katy Hockley and Morton was included; a staff/contract representative said the traffic signal is already under construction and expected to be operational by July. Staff described the contract as a 420-day work plan, with private utility relocation to begin after the July 4 holiday and contractor mobilization likely in September; projected completion was described as October 2026.

Why it matters: The authorization commits Metro and KDA funding toward a major arterial-widening project that will affect traffic patterns, utility placements and neighborhood access across Katy; the dollar amount and contingency add budgetary significance.

Funding and procurement details: Bids were received May 29; KDA awarded the project on June 16, 2025, at $9,249,021. The council’s authorization allows the KDA to use Metro funds up to the $9,711,472 cap to cover the bid and contingency.

Next steps: Staff indicated utility coordination is a near-term dependency; the contractor will coordinate private utility relocations and then proceed with mainline work per the 420-day contract schedule. The city and KDA will monitor construction timelines and traffic signal activation.

Reporting note: Figures and schedule notes are taken from the June 23 meeting transcript.