Joshua board unanimously backs resolution supporting FM 917 railroad grade‑separation concept

The Joshua board voted unanimously to submit a resolution expressing support for the FM 917 railroad grade‑separation concept, a plan presented to the board that pairs a roadway overpass with roughly 2.5 blocks of park space beneath it.

Presenter said the alignment would remain north of 14th Street and that TxDOT and the North Central Texas Council of Governments had shown renderings and options. “They are projecting turning dirt in 2027,” the Presenter said, and added that the design team had asked only for a resolution of support at this stage: “They’re not asking for anything right now. They’re asked only for, a resolution and support the concept.”

The presenter explained the team is revisiting an overpass rather than an underpass because permitting for an underpass could be lengthy—“they estimated 3 to 5 years just to get permits put through their process,” the Presenter said—and construction and drainage complications made the underpass alternative more costly and time‑consuming. The overpass design in the presentation reduces the number of support pillars downtown compared with earlier concepts and includes options for stormwater management that would avoid routing additional runoff into West Buffalo Creek.

Renderings shown to the board included a lit pedestrian undercroft with turf open space, two dog parks (separate large and small‑dog areas), a mile‑plus walking path, a potential outdoor performance/venue area, a fenced crossover stair to keep pedestrians off active tracks, and a proposed sound wall adjacent to the railroad tracks. The Presenter said the proposer would pay initial construction costs for the park elements and then turn the park over to the city; the city would assume ongoing maintenance. The Presenter flagged that about 13 parcels would need acquisition for either the overpass or underpass plan and that one parcel identified in the presentation belongs to the city (the animal shelter site).

Board members asked about traffic design, lane configuration and whether the project would increase traffic into downtown; the Presenter said traffic counts and engineering studies are expected and that the roadway would tie back into the existing three‑lane section and incorporate any required turn lanes. One director said the park and improved access could boost foot traffic for downtown businesses.

The Chair called for a motion to submit a resolution expressing support for the FM 917 grade‑separation project. A motion and second were recorded and the Chair said the vote was unanimous. The Presenter and staff said the same concept and additional renderings will be available at a public meeting Thursday night, where TxDOT staff will be present to answer questions.

Next steps identified in the discussion included public briefings with TxDOT and local officials, follow‑up engineering and traffic studies, and property‑acquisition planning. The resolution approved by the board expresses support for the concept only; it does not commit city funds or formally approve property acquisition.