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Saginaw engineers outline phased East McElroy Boulevard plan; council directs design work on worst segment
Summary
City engineer presented a multi-phase reconstruction plan for East McElroy Boulevard with phased costs, schedule, and options for medians and quiet-zone eligibility; council signaled support to start design work on the worst pavement (phase 1) and discussed using TIRZ funds to advance design.
Trenton Tidwell, Saginaw’s city engineer, presented an update on the East McElroy Boulevard project, explaining phasing, funding status, and design choices for medians and pedestrian features. He said Old Decatur North bids came in competitively and that staff recommended awarding that contract to DDM Construction, while McElroy remains a multi-phase effort needing coordination with franchise utilities and TxDOT.
Tidwell said Phase 2a is under design at roughly 60% and aligned with the CIP estimate of about $9.5 million; he noted franchise relocations (Encore, Atmos) and railroad coordination could push construction into 2026–2028. He described two median concepts derived from public input—xeriscape plantings and decorative stamped concrete—saying upfront costs were comparable for the median areas but long-term maintenance would differ.
Councilmembers focused on priorities and timing. Several argued the worst pavement (phase 1, eastern section) should be addressed quickly because it is actively degrading and poses safety concerns; another group favored bundling work into a larger bond package that uses Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) funds where eligible to reduce tax-rate impact. Staff reported roughly $800,000 available to start design work and recommended bringing a phase-1 design contract forward so the city would be ready if voters approve a bond.
Council provided direction to staff to prepare a design contract for the highest-priority pavement repairs (phase 1) and to return with clearer cost estimates for design and construction. Staff said final design and permitting will require TxDOT and railroad coordination and possible property acquisitions; the council discussed county or developer partnerships to offset larger realignment costs.
Next steps: staff will prepare a design contract for phase 1, refine cost estimates, and bring materials back to council for review ahead of any bond proposal or voter measure.
